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Formed in 2003, Pushing Zero is inspired by “rock-and-roll and lots of it,” according to front man George Skala. This group’s name signifies “an inevitable moment where time is suspended, the realm of emotion exceeded, and the application of human intellect rendered useless,” according to its Web site.
When asked how they’ve come so far as a band in only two years, Skala responded, “We work our asses off.” There’s plenty of proof Skala is right: They have awards for multiple songs at GarageBand.com, won a Demo Production Deal with Emmy Award winner Bill Chinnock and John Kunnick, won WCYY’s Big Break Contest this past September, and have music all over the web. On Broadjam.com, “Don’t Let Me Down” is doing especially well. They won first place in a Battle of The Bands competition in 2004 under the Professional Band category.
So what is their biggest accomplishment thus far? Skala said, “Finding each other. Without that, nothing else would matter.” He came across as sincere during our interview, and this answer was no different. Although, as lead guitarist Adam Hauk points out, spending so much time with each other is a bit like “being married to three people.”
Their chemistry as a band is striking. Despite being together for the past two years and spending as much time with each other as they do, they all seem perfectly comfortable and capable on stage and in their recordings. Every chord, every note and beat seems to be perfectly in place.
They have two EP’s out: “Rite of Passage” and “The Chosen.” On the more recent of the two, “Rite of Passage,” is “Wage War.” It’s delicately crafted and cautious in parts, then converts to a guitar-smashing rock-and-roll chorus. “Long Way Down,” on the same EP, is an equally strong song. It has a certain richness to it; catchy lyrics, the kind of sound backing it up that merits a mosh pit.
The best band they have opened for is Nashville-based, classic hard rock band The Screamin’ Cheetah Wheelies. The best shows happen, according to Skala, with the best audiences. Who, then, would be the ultimate band to open for, and where? Hauk and Skala agree: Audioslave, at Madison Square Garden. Audioslave is made up of ex-members of Rage Against the Machine and Soundgarden; Pushing Zero is composed of musicians that have been playing in different bands, different places all their lives. Both bands make distinctive rock-and-roll and have the whole rocker image down.
Their live shows are great. Watching them perform, it’s easy to compare them to bands that have been around for many years. Their dedication is universally found in one form or another in every successful band. Skala sings flawlessly; bassist Andrew Pelczar is at ease with his playing, he looks like he may have learned how to perform before he learned to walk; Jason Loeb effortlessly thrashes on the drums; and Hauk, who’s played guitar since age four, has the same mix of confidence and talent that John Mayer has trademarked.
If you’re into rock-and-roll, listen to some of their work online, but an even better idea: see them live! Pushing Zero will be at Ushuaia on Dec. 7. New shows are constantly added to their calendar, which you can find at the Web site (www.pushingzero.com). Also check them out on MySpace, Itunes, BroadJam, Pure Volume and Garageband.com.
Bangor Daily News