THE FUTURE : FULL BIOGRAPHY The Future is now. The indie-pop quartet's first album, 'Is Now,' packs the energy of their eclectic and electric live show into a driving and powerful listening experience. Pulsing bass beats and upbeat vocals build syncopated dance rhythms on the album, making it impossible not to move to the trimmed down layers of tracks like 'White Lies' and 'Rock and Roll Shakes.' These songs are instantly accessible-quick hooks lead into strong riffs, and quick hands on the drums keep the sound racing ahead. But these songs are far from simple- the Future's collaborative writing style pulls their various instruments and influences together to create a unified sound that retains a certain tension, and with it, a certain complexity in the music.? This collaborative writing process allows band members to build the songs together from their individual strengths and styles. Adam Culver's vocals bring a frenetic rock and roll sound full of Mick Jagger sass and tempo, which is tempered by bassist Jordan Culvers passion for smooth melodies and slow builds. With influences like The Cure and ELO, Jordan pulls melody and harmony through his normally rhythmic instrument. Guitarist Eric Sadowsky draws on classic rock and funk influences, laying down guitar parts sturdy enough to ground tracks like 'Outmigration' without weighing them down. Eric's guitar provides counterpoint to the vocal lines, allowing the two to create the quick musical patterns that power and impel songs like 'The Blasted Maltese.' Finishing off the bands polished sound, drummer Bryan Feece brings a technically meticulous touch to the skins. Art rock influences like Mars Volta give Feece a passion for precision and improvisation. The drums of this rocking foursome have a surprisingly light touch, while still retaining enough backbone on the bass and toms to keep the music surging ahead and the audience, be it live or live-in, up and moving. More than anything else, 'Is Now' is an album to be played live. The Future's momentum as they move from track to track retains the energy of live performance, tightened and honed by the recording process. The rare moments where the album slows down- the simple acoustic sounds of 'Amberly,' for instance- give the listener just enough time to regroup and relax before building back up to hip shaking highs. The result is a solid rock album from start to finish with moments reminiscent of bands like U2 and OK GO, but a comprehensive sound all its own. 'Is Now's' playability as an album is no accident. Brothers Adam and Jordan Culver, and childhood friend Eric Sadowsky, left their native North Dakota so that they could perform live as often, and for as many people, as possible. Picking up Bryan in Bloomington Indiana, the foursome has settled in Nashville and see the future of The Future as a commitment to the energy and commotion of live music. They see the Future not as an overnight, packaged-deal success, but as an arena in which they earn their musical chops on stages across the country. And their album reflects this on every level. Not only are the songs written to keep audiences up and on their feet, but they are recorded with a panache that allows the essence of the barroom and the dance hall to filter through the music. Even the production of the album reflects the Future's progressive attitudes towards live music- recorded in three short days in one of Nashville's finest studios (The Tracking Room) the Future sees this album, like their live shows, as a means by which they can connect to other musicians and technicians, to build a local network that grows beyond the scope of the local scene, but retains its personal connections. The Future is always optimistic, looking to provide not only for themselves, but for everyone that their music connects-in the studio, on the road, and in the show-room. The band's commitment to the live music experience stems from this desire for connection, a desire that comes through in the urgent honesty and joy they take in their music and in their fans. The Future is coming... The Future is NOW! -By P. Alex Dodge