By Anthony J. Machcinski
Observer Correspondent
When many people think of music coming out of West Philadelphia, the first song that comes to mind most likely will be Will Smith’s “Fresh Prince of Bel Air”; the rock band Creepoid looks to change that.
Creepoid was formed during a snowstorm in 2009, when Sean Miller, Pete Urban IV, and Patrick and Anna Troxell had a jam session to fight off boredom and cabin fever.
“During one of the snowstorms (in 2009), we all got together and ended up jamming,” Patrick Troxell said. “Now we’re at the point that we’re about to put out our second LP.”
Combining elements of both the indie-rock and ‘90s grunge scenes, Creepoid is something way off the beaten path of modern day rock music.
“It’s a mix up of everything,” said Troxell describing his music.
Creepoid released its first CD, a ten track treasure-trove of distortion infused music entitled “Horse Heaven” in March 2012. After a two-year hiatus of touring the Eastern seaboard, Creepoid will release its second full length CD this March.
“I think with the new release, we’ve been getting out said. “We’ve played all over Philly and toured the East Coast.”
The highlight of their recent travels was the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas.
“The first year (2011), we played eight or nine shows in a couple days – last year we did five shows,” Troxell explained. “It’s a lot of fun to play a few spots.”
Troxell said the band jumped at the opportunity to play again this year.
“We’re going to play two or three shows.” Troxell said. “It’s going to be a blast. It’ll help us promote the new record.”
If the first single off that record is any indication, Creepoid could be one of the hottest bands at South by Southwest.
Released on Feb. 5, the song “Sunday” is a perfect example of what Creepoid is about. Reminiscent of Radiohead’s hit single “Creep,” the single “Sunday” starts in with a smooth, heavily-distorted guitar riff, followed by the smooth vocals of Miller. As the song builds, the guitar riffs build up to a heavy crescendo while maintaining its slower tempo.
Troxell, the band’s drummer, remains a consistent tempo-setter throughout each of the band’s tracks.
“Drums are just one of those things that, at some point, I was able to sit behind them and I haven’t really stopped,” said Troxell, adding that his uncle was a drummer and would allow him to play a drum set in his grandparent’s basement.
With a second album soon to be under their belts, Troxell and the rest of the band successful career.
All four band members recently moved into a West Philadelphia home and converted the basement into a recording studio.
“We’re pretty happy with the fact that we have a home studio so we can produce what we want to,” Troxell said.
Troxell added that the next step is to be able to get the word out about their music.
“Now, we want to get to the masses as best as we can and get records in their hands,” Troxell said. “It’s why we’re stoked to play up here.”
While a stop at Kearny’s Donegal Saloon last Friday night was on their short-term schedule, the band is anticipating a trip out to the West Coast as well as crossing the border for a show in Montreal, Canada.
“We’re stoked about heading out to the West Coast this summer,” Troxell said. “We want to hit the pavement and get people to see us.”
After playing Donegal Saloon, the band will return to the area in late February to play two shows in New York City before heading to the South by Southwest festival in March.
For more information on Creepoid, including album information, visit www.creepoid.com or like the band on Facebook at www.facebook.com/creepoid.
