“Because it’s all or nothing with us,” Jason flicks closed his Zippo lighter and releases the first puff of a cigarette. He’s explaining the title of The Signal’s upcoming EP, Between Silk & Cyanide. The in-your-face rock trio of Nashville plans to hit the ground running with its first studio release with Acklen Entertainment. “Do or die,” Phil chimes in, “we either make it or we don’t.” It’s this kind of urgency and passion that is the driving force behind the intense alternative rock of The Signal, a band whose sound calls to mind the music of the Foo Fighters and Switchfoot. In the famed Ocean Way Studios of Nashville, they are currently finishing up work on Between Silk & Cyanide, which is scheduled to be released in late August of this year. This five-song EP is aimed to capture the intense nature of the band’s live performances. This summer, the trio's tour blasted across the east coast. They plan on bringing the noise home to Nashville this fall. With influences that extend from the classic rock of Led Zeppelin to modern bands like The Doves and Coldplay, The Signal’s sound finds itself caught between brash rhythmic drive and emotional melodic motives. Such a meeting is only natural because of how the group approaches the songwriting process. Jason George, the group’s drummer, is intentionally vigorous and bold with his rhythmic choices. Meanwhile, Phil James, the lead vocalist who also plays rhythm guitar, naturally leans toward a tamer beauty with his melody. Lead guitarist Josh Hargrave bridges the gap with edgy hooks that provide each song with a unique flavor. In a case of disagreement over the direction of a song, the loudest voice of authority is ultimately the music itself. Phil explains, “When it comes to lyrics, especially, we try to let the music speak for itself.” A prime example is the song “Chasing Cabs,” where driving rhythm perfectly matches Phil’s vocal urgency and vivid lyrical imagery. The Signal is bringing the emotionally driven Between Silk & Cyanide to Nashville this fall. And they’re bringing it with reckless abandon.
