C.P.X. has already issued two independent CDs and expects to be back in the studio in 2009 to start recording another. The band also has a DVD release planned. The groove metal act has staked a claim to its own vibrant corner of the hard music scene. Through explosive live performances and two fan-snagging demos thusfar, with more to come, C.P.X. is inspiring fierce devotion in the indie.
C.P.X. is a two-man act, a fact that illustrates the kind of musical vigor fueling this pair of musicians. "We're a two-piece band, so if The White Stripes had any balls, you'd have C.P.X.," says Brandon Underwood (drums, back-up vocals). Michael Smith provides axe work and lead vocals.
C.P.X.'s ballsiness is the result of a confluence of factors. To begin with, there's the pure force of the duo's sound. Thick riffs and percussive hooks pulse while vocals full of gristle and muscle pound out the band's ideas, which is another source of C.P.X.'s potency. Unbridled catharsis pours out of every song. "Whether it's elation, rage, pain, hope or depression that we're dealing with, music helps us get through it all," says Underwood, pointing to the "pitfalls of life" as a major source of inspiration. C.P.X.'s blunt, un-watered-down lyrics attack the shadows of existence directly. "We just let whatever's coming out come out, because it's our first instinct, and it's real." He adds that C.P.X. lyrics are frequently of an autobiographical nature, which allows the band members and the audience to grow from the duo's life experiences.
And then there's the charged live presence, metal charisma that spills down from the stage, sending ripples across the audiences. There's no such thing as a still crowd at a C.P.X. show. The shows are also a payoff for C.P.X., which claims its fans as the number one motivation for music-making. "The best part of it all is watching people react to the music," exclaims Underwood. "When people are headbanging so hard you think their heads are gonna fly off, we feel totally blessed and grateful for their admiration and respect." The band often encounters pleasant surprise from audience members, who are shocked to witness such metal power erupt onstage from only two people. "We seem to get at least two or three jaw-dropping looks of shock every time we play a new town or venue." And all without gimmicks. C.P.X.'s sound is stripped-down and lean, and that's the secret of its meanness. The music is designed for live play. Songs are written and performed live before ever being recorded. "We just go out and give it our best every time and people seem to respond," says Underwood, "That's the way we like it."
The pair earned band-of-the-month status from 92.7 WQLZ in Springfield, Illinois, home state of C.P.X. These young metal monsters have appeared repeatedly on 96.7 WIHN in Bloomington. C.P.X. also showed up on an Illinois compilation CD, "Loco Diablo 12," as well as a Florida-based comp, "The Kill Vol 1." C.P.X. is currently working with A&R Select, the premier A&R firm based out of Los Angeles, CA. More information is available by visiting
www.myspace.com/cpxband and
www.arselect.com .
Press
Release: "These are a set of hard rock and metal tracks with a strong grunge edge. The songwriting is that of a classic 90's heavy grunge sound. The progressions are catchy and the vocals are a good fit for the music itself giving the material its harder edge. The band holds true to a certain era of alternative rock music and we need more bands with this kind of classic touch. The guitar sections are very strong and the drumming and bass have great energy throughout the album. Jumping in and out of half times and rolling the double kicks as much as possible. All fits together quite well. All together, this two piece band lays out destructive tracks with insane energy and creativity. The songs attach themselves to you in such a way that is almost nostalgic." - A&R Select
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Indie Artist Directory 
C.P.X. has already issued two independent CDs and expects to be back in the studio in 2009 to start recording another. The band also has a DVD release planned. The groove metal act has staked a claim to its own vibrant corner of the hard music scene. Through explosive live performances and two fan-snagging demos thusfar, with more to come, C.P.X. is inspiring fierce devotion in the indie.
