Formed in 1998 in Lynchburg, Virginia, Angels VS. Aliens consists of bassist Jared Brown, guitarist P.J. Sykes, and guitarist/vocalist/drum programmer Jeff Roop. Jeff, then a member of the band YODA, and P.J., a solo recording artist with his first album on the way, met while working together on a musical that Jeff had written the score to. Along with former keyboardist, Phillip Kershner, a side project band going by the name of Fiji Mermaid (after the P.T. Barnum sideshow exhibit) was started. When time and distance constraints forced YODA to break-up, Jeff and P.J. decided to take the side project to a more serious level, making it their main interest. The band recruited bassist Jared Brown, wrote several new songs, and changed its name to Angels VS. Aliens.
Angels VS. Aliens draw from a variety of musical styles and influences, which result in several interpretations. Elements of their sound have been compared to artists such as Superchunk, Mogwai, Sunny Day Real Estate, and The Smashing Pumpkins to name but a few. It's hard to pin a specific genre to the music, and every listener is encouraged to make their own interpretations.
Over time, Angels VS. Aliens have quietly built a loyal following through self-booked shows and demo circulation. Their first full-length CD, "Eleven Shades of Crimson," was released in March, and they are continuing to book shows in support of the effort.
An Outsider's Opinion (by Bayne Brush)
