Search - Biology :: Making Moves

A surprising musical turn

B. Horn | San Jose, CA, USA | 09/30/2005

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I saw this group live as an opener just a few nights ago in a San Francisco club, where they were playing with Armor for Sleep and From Autumn to Ashes. Because I'm not a huge fan of FATA, I wasn't expecting much from them (the singer and guitarist are the singer/drummer and bassist of FATA, respectively), I was pleasantly surprised when I heard them take the stage, and after the show made sure to pick up a copy of this album.



Francis Mark sings with a clarity and quality that he's never had the chance exhibit when singing for FATA and each member of the band is talented, especially the drummer, Cornbread. There is a very different indie, alt. rock quality to their music with a pleasant mix of fast and slow songs (even some string accompaniment), and in these days where 8/10 groups are post-hardcore or screamo (not that that is all bad), I find it very refreshing.



Keep in mind if you're looking for another From Autumn to Ashes, then Biology is not what you're looking for. However, if you are looking for a new, different group somewhat reminiscent of Pablo Honey era Radiohead, I suggest you look into these guys on the Vagrant Records website.



Some tracks I enjoyed: Sophisdecay, The Measure of My Worth, New English, When Future History Became Current History."

Cool stuff!

A. Martin | Los Angeles, CA USA | 04/12/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Francis Mark is a smart guy; maybe too smart. The prettier half of the intrepid From Autumn to Ashes duo, Fran Mark has made his mark on the scene a few years ago, exploding with a brash of other Long Island outfits with his punishing musicianship ranging from the brutal to the beautiful. His day job as uber-talented drummer and melodic vocal cohort has cemented his place as a post-hardcore staple. As if that wasn't enough, in Grohl-esque fashion, Fran moved to the front of the stage, with fellow FATA bassist Josh Newton forming Biology; an introspective and visually stimulating rock project. The end result, Making Moves, transpired as a healthy mix of the morose and *gasp* poppier hook laden tunes, that can be loosely associated with some FATA stylings, but overall a new and refreshing style seems to have emerged. Swooning and phased guitars, distant piano, chugging and distorted bass lines and haunting string compositions are present throughout the album that paints the group in a genre-defying class.



Rounded out by drummer Cornbread Compton (Engine Down) and super-producer Brian McTernan (Fairweather, Hot Water Music, Snapcase, Thrice) pulling double duty recording bass and producing, the sound is as much an eclectic and honest auditory testament as the personal artwork adorned in the album and website. (Fran's artwork and photography are displayed throughout) Gone are the days of the trademark bawling screams and are replaced by a lower register melodic range from Mark who assumes all vocal responsibilities on the record. As an ardent fan of From Autumn to Ashes, this new project is not an extension; which isn't necessarily a bad thing. At times there are Brit-rock musings, poignant vocal outpourings and quiet and ominous aggressions with an underlying positive energy that has not been heard in back catalogues of post-hardcore albums. Fran Mark seems to have abandoned his old journals and restraints this time around. "Let's be honest" - a refrain from the albums energetic opening track, "Programming the Populous" is a forthright testimony that echoes through each of the album's eleven tracks. The subjects covered throughout the lyrics and accompanying artwork range from social and personal inequity, political stabbings, and the physical and mental searches that anyone and everyone has.



I like how this album arrived under the mass radar, as Biology played on the opening bill on FATA's last tour and similarly are signed with Vagrant Records. This album should definitely be explored by those who want something different and probing, but can rest assured of the energy and diligence of the resumes of the founding members. (Originally written by Brendan G. on EmotionalPunk.com)"

Amazing

Jamin | San Diego, Ca USA | 10/25/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Being a big fan of fata I really wanted to pick up this cd. So i did I had no idea of what to suspect from the cover but i knew that Franis Mark was the lead singer soo bought it at a local bestbuy.

it was at first not what i expected, but as I listned to the cd more and more i grew to love it. It is soo original and experimental that not all will like the cd in my opinion. But i found it amazing the lyrics and the album art are all written by fransis mark. The lyrics are thought provoking and poetic. All the songs are quite catchy and will randomly comeup in ur head.

Top Five tracks.

1. Born Again Virgins

2. Sophisdecay

3. New English

4. Programming the Popoulous

5. When future history becomes current history/ employment"