New Intoxicated Logic record now digital

ALBANY — Hard rock fans around the world are able to rock out to one of Albany’s most popular bands now that Intoxicated Logic’s latest EP “Known Unknowns” is available digitally.

The EP, which was released on CD earlier this year, is now available online through a number of different outlets, including iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, which is something band members hope will make their music more readily available to their fans and help them gain a larger following.

“We sold quite a few CDs already but in order to get one you’d have to get it from us directly or from the bar at the Oglethorpe Lounge,” said guitarist and vocalist Michael Burrows of the digital release. “Releasing the EP to online music retailers allows us to share it with those who can’t make it to our show.”

While the band has had considerable success performing live around Albany, where it has developed a large following thanks to energetic shows, recording new music allows the band members another outlet to express themselves and their love of music. The move also proves that the band is committed to getting its music out there despite the fact that it requires hard work.

“Playing out has never been about making money or looking to go mainstream,” said drummer Bill Goodwin. “We all have families and day jobs. It’s more about doing what we love to do, making music. We have all poured a significant amount of our personal time and finances into the music we make. So, even to hear a person say, ‘this song is awesome,’ is what really matters to us.”

The EP allows keeps the band on a course to continue evolving from a cover band to one that is consistently writing, recording and playing original music.

Founded in 2009 by Goodwin, Burrows, bassist KT McHan, and guitarist/vocalist Will Clark, who bonded over their similar musical interests and influences, the band started out playing mostly covers of songs by the Rolling Stones, Black Crowes, Seven Mary Three, Stone Temple Pilots, Nirvana and Alice in Chains.

Not long after the Albany band began writing and performing original tunes, which it began recording in 2011 with producer and Dog Head guitarist Chris Lodge. By 2013, Intoxicated Logic had amassed enough recorded material to release its debut album, “Intoxicated Logic,” which featured 11 hard rock tracks indicative of the band’s signature style.

Not long after that release, original members McHan and Clark left to pursue other endeavors. That opened the door for locals Joel Maxey on guitar (who subsequently left the band earlier this year because of other obligations) and Brian Trusow on bass.

Despite that change the band seemingly didn’t miss a beat as it was nominated for a GA Music Award for “Best Rock Band” in 2014 and immediately began working on songs for its followup recording.

The band took a break from July 2014 to February 2015. When Intoxicated Logic reconvened, it began recording what became “Known Unknowns.”

The recording of that EP has been a significant achievement for the band members, who are continually pushing themselves to create a more extensive catalogue of songs.

“Mike and I have collaborated over the years with hours of material at our disposal,” said Goodwin. “It’s really quite a personal accomplishment to put all of these pieces together and have something to show for our efforts. And, of course, with Brian bringing material to the table as well, we have even more music and more ideas for possible future releases.”

The members of Intoxicated Logic also believe the new EP displays a significant amount of growth since the last record, saying they have improved as both writers and performers.

“We were happy enough with our last CD, but on this, I think, it’s apparent that we’ve grown as musicians,” said Burrows. “I think the songs are better and heavier, but they’re not just better because we’re heavier. They just happen to be both. I’m especially happy about the production quality of this one.”

Indeed, the band members are especially pleased with the overall sound of the record and that they had the chance to work again with Lodge, who also has continued to grow as a producer. He recently won The Albany Herald’s Friday Jam reader’s poll in the producer category.

While the band is certainly thrilled about getting the new music out to the public, the members are not content to rest on their laurels. According to Burrows, Intoxicated Logic is already planning its next CD and is looking to expand its reach into other areas.

“We’re hoping to play in some different venues this year and get out into the surrounding area a bit more,” Burrows said. “We area also working on some new song ideas. We hope to start working on a new EP as early as next year, but what’s really important to us right now is honing our live show. Having a recording is great, but entertaining people live is what we really love to do.”

That sentiment of loving to entertain the fans is also shared by Trusow, who, despite being proud of the band’s recordings, is most excited about taking those songs directly to an audience.

“I love the chance to put music onto a CD, but nothing makes me happier than playing it live for the fans,” he said.

That desire to bring more music the fans and be a part of the local scene is hugely important to the band, as they are vocal champions of Albany’s other artists, who they believe are rich with original talent. They’re also proud to be associated with so many other local acts that have been just as supportive of each other as the fans have been.

“Everyone is releasing albums this year,” said Burrows. “Not only us, but Mopeland, Torq, UBL, Invert the Idols and many others. We’re friends with all of those guys. There’s a lot of great music to be heard around here and I think Albany’s lucky to have such a great local music scene. And we’re thrilled to be a part of it.”

To learn more about the band and to get information about upcoming gigs visit the band’s Facebook or Reverb Nations pages or its official website www.intoxicatedlogic.com.