Chris O’Brien of rock band Transitshop, whose music definitely sits well along bands like Alkaline Trio and The Police (awesomely diverse mix for sure) stopped by to discuss 5 albums that have had a major impact on his life. Check them out after the jump, along with some more information about the band.
1) Nirvana – “Nevermind”
Nirvana was the band that started it all for me. They were probably the main reason that I ever decided to pick up a guitar. I found immediate satisfaction as a beginning guitar player by being able to easily hack my way through the power chords that their songs were comprised of. Even though I couldn’t play them very well, I was able to hear enough resemblance to the real thing that it got me hooked on music and made me want to do it. I also learned a lot about song writing and arrangements from this album.
2) Guns N Roses – “Appetite for Destruction”
I first listened to this a very long time after it was made, but it is one of my all time favorites and the guitar was very inspiring. Also I really dig the in-your-face attitude and that Axl Rose confidently displays throughout the entire album. Its impossible to listen to it and not get excited. I think it is one of those classic albums that every musician should be very familiar with, for tons of different reasons. There is so much to soak in from it.
3) The Sounds – “Dying to Say This to You”
The Sounds were one of the first bands that made me want to experiment with with electronic sounds, and to incorporate synth and keyboards with rock guitar and punk drums. It opened my eyes to a style of music that I had never before been into. It definitely broadened my horizons, and for that I am very grateful. Its has a very encouraging and uplifting vibe to it, and listening to it always puts me in a good mood.
4) Alkaline Trio – “From Here to Infirmary”
This album was recommended to me by a friend, and at first listen it didn’t really grab my attention. I gave it another try several months later and I became obsessed. Its very raw and loud sounding, but it just inexplicably draws you in and makes you want to listen again and again. Some of the lyrics are a little bit humorous and sarcastic, but there is something very genuine about it. This album turned me on to a whole new scene that I wasn’t very familiar with, but is really awesome!
5) The Gaslight Anthem – “The ’59 Sound”
I really liked some of the lead guitar work. It’s a really cool example of what can be done with clean guitar tones. Its a great listen from front to back, and because of that it spent an eternity in my car’s CD player and played over and over again. This was at a time when I spent a lot of time exploring my own songwriting ideas, and it was very inspiring.
Band Bio:
Founded by Chris O’Brien (Guitar/Vocals) in 2010, Transitshop is rounded out by the fluid rhythm section of Vinnie Pastore (Bass) and Derek Gallagher (Drums). The three-piece has been favorably compared to both atmospheric bands like The Cure, The Police, Crowded House andThe Cars, and more modern acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Ra Ra Riot, Tokyo Police Club and The Bravery. The band’s previously issued independent EP debuted at #20 on the CMJ’s Top 200 Radio Chart, and tracks from it received play from over 50 FM stations nationwide.
O’Brien first started playing guitar at the age of 12 and went on to develop his skills as a rock lead guitarist. Primarily focusing on distorted tones and complex solos in bands led by others, he found himself sidelined with a shoulder injury in 2009 that hindered his lead guitar ability. After a period of fevered inspiration, he crafted the unique persona that is heard on Velocity. “I never thought I would write songs, but when the injury slowed me down for a bit, I just started honing in on this specific sound with clean guitars, synthesizers, fast running bass-lines, and driving drums,” O’Brien reveals.
The trio came into its own during the summer of 2011, right after its inaugural EP release. “I was really in the zone then. It felt like everything was coming together. Instead of writing one song like this, and one like that, the songs had a cohesive flow to them,” O’Brien says. Through online networking he met Detroit-based producer Matt Dalton (Chiodos, I See Stars, These Hearts) who helped streamline song arrangements and find otherworldly guitar tones. Velocity was partly recorded with Dalton at 37 Studios in Detroit and at Thermal Productions in New Jersey with Stephen McKnight.
Reflecting on Transitshop’s journey so far, Chris O’Brien says: “It’s been tremendous, we’ve gotten great radio responses and we’ve been able to open for some awesome bands who we’ve really looked up to. It’s been cool to do some of the things that we’ve done. We want to keep playing new places and continue to reach new people.”
To purchase Transitshop’s debut, full-length album Velocity, please visit: http://bit.ly/1eXbbO5
