Published: Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Contest winner Haven works on its solo debut
The band is all about rock, not 'whiny emo crap,' the guitarist says.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
The members of Pittsburgh-based rock band Haven have always been confident about music.
However, it wasn't until last month that the quartet — Neal Benedict (bass), Mike Benedict (guitar), Joel Benedict (guitar) and Pat Connolly (drums) — received the type of affirmation that backed up their self-image.
The outfit took home first place at the Salty Grog's "Battle of the Bands" in Austintown.
"Actually, the first night of the competition we didn't play very well and we didn't win," said Mike, calling from his home in the Steel City.
"But we got a wildcard slot and the next few nights we played really well and ended up winning the whole thing. It was unbelievable."
He added, "We knew what we had to do and we practiced well, but still, just winning was a huge shock for us."
Although the group formed more than two years ago, it wasn't until Connolly joined the band that Haven started to find its groove creating a hard-rock sound similar to that of Seether, Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle.
"We love the sound of those bands with their hard-hitting guitars," Mike said. "That's what we try to do. And we try to hit it hard with the vocals and just have a good time with it."
In the studio
Feeling as though there is now momentum behind the band, Haven is in the studio recording its solo debut. Among the dozen tracks slated for the album, which is due out this winter, is the anthemic and crowd favorite "Learn to Swim."
The group is also hoping to capitalize on its recent Mahoning County success by booking numerous Ohio shows, including a gig Friday at The Cellar.
What's in the set
Mike said the current set features plenty of new material and a few rousing covers, including "Mr. Brownstone" from Guns N' Roses and an unexpected jam on "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.
Still, when asked what makes a Haven show different from other regional bands, Mike said it's what the band doesn't play that makes it stand out.
"You'll have a good time," Mike said. "Come out, listen to us, meet the people and meet our fans. They're great. You'll hear some real rock music for once and it won't be some of this whiny emo crap that you hear all over the place."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
The band is all about rock, not 'whiny emo crap,' the guitarist says.
By JOHN BENSON
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
The members of Pittsburgh-based rock band Haven have always been confident about music.
However, it wasn't until last month that the quartet — Neal Benedict (bass), Mike Benedict (guitar), Joel Benedict (guitar) and Pat Connolly (drums) — received the type of affirmation that backed up their self-image.
The outfit took home first place at the Salty Grog's "Battle of the Bands" in Austintown.
"Actually, the first night of the competition we didn't play very well and we didn't win," said Mike, calling from his home in the Steel City.
"But we got a wildcard slot and the next few nights we played really well and ended up winning the whole thing. It was unbelievable."
He added, "We knew what we had to do and we practiced well, but still, just winning was a huge shock for us."
Although the group formed more than two years ago, it wasn't until Connolly joined the band that Haven started to find its groove creating a hard-rock sound similar to that of Seether, Breaking Benjamin and Chevelle.
"We love the sound of those bands with their hard-hitting guitars," Mike said. "That's what we try to do. And we try to hit it hard with the vocals and just have a good time with it."
In the studio
Feeling as though there is now momentum behind the band, Haven is in the studio recording its solo debut. Among the dozen tracks slated for the album, which is due out this winter, is the anthemic and crowd favorite "Learn to Swim."
The group is also hoping to capitalize on its recent Mahoning County success by booking numerous Ohio shows, including a gig Friday at The Cellar.
What's in the set
Mike said the current set features plenty of new material and a few rousing covers, including "Mr. Brownstone" from Guns N' Roses and an unexpected jam on "Folsom Prison Blues" by Johnny Cash.
Still, when asked what makes a Haven show different from other regional bands, Mike said it's what the band doesn't play that makes it stand out.
"You'll have a good time," Mike said. "Come out, listen to us, meet the people and meet our fans. They're great. You'll hear some real rock music for once and it won't be some of this whiny emo crap that you hear all over the place."
Wednesday, September 27, 2006
Neal Benedict (bass), Mike Benedict (guitar), Joel Benedict (guitar) and Pat Connolly (drums) — received the type...
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