The Urgency

Combining the sweeping theatricality and melodic complexity of vintage prog with a monster metal guitar attack, Vermont's the Urgency strive for maximum amplitude in all aspects of their sound and presentation. The band grew around the nexus of Kevin Coffrin (bass) and Ian Molla (guitar), who have been playing together since they were preteens. The two met drummer Guerin Blask in college in upstate New York, and eventually moved to New York City, where, after an exhaustive search for the right frontman, they discovered cabaret singer Tyler Gurwicz, who brought the right amount of technical prowess and expressive showmanship. Proponents of the band zero in on Gurwicz's vocal strengths as the Urgency's distinguishing characteristic. Guitarist Ryan Siegel was the last to join, a refugee from Long Island prog metal band the Rivalry. Like many groups in the 2000s, MySpace proved fortuitous for the Urgency, as a "fan" message to producer David Bendeth (Vertical Horizon, All Time Low, Paramore) resulted in a working relationship. Bendeth saw the young band's potential and began working with them on their debut album for Mercury/Island/Def Jam. Critical response has been mixed, but listeners flocked to see them on the 2007 Warped Tour, where their burgeoning fan base swelled to even greater numbers.