Caterpillar Tracks

Detail: Debuting in 2004, Caterpillar Tracks immediately sewed themselves into the fabric of the local Rock and Punk scenes, becoming welcome fixtures at showcases and basement shows alike. This was owed in part to the experience and focus of the band members but even more to the rich vein of Post-Hardcore they tapped. Their self-titled debut conveyed the band's hard-hitting sound and captivating guitar interplay, but only at their live shows could you experience the urgency and concise frenzy of chaotic drumming, off-kilter guitar syncopations and gritty vocal testimonies that defined the band from the start.

Then, at what seemed to be their peak, guitarist Dave Cupp decided to take a sabbatical in Europe. Once again, the members' maturity and chemistry proved to be an asset, turning what could have been a devastating blow for a new band into an incredible opportunity. In the late summer of 2005, Cupp returned to play a string of stateside shows, and then the rest of Caterpillar Tracks followed him back to Germany and played a handful of dates there and in the Czech Republic.

Back at full strength and reinvigorated, this lineup set about documenting some of the songs that had been developing for almost two years. After several experiments with recording methods and locations, the band ended up back at Candyland Studios, but determined to make a different sounding album this time around.

There are quite a few regional and national acts out there following this formula. Caterpillar Tracks has plugged into this network and has everything it takes to make it work: experience, motivation and music that people want to hear.