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Biography
The original quintet that made up Cartel grew up together in Rockdale Country Georgia, but their story gives hope to every teenager around that can’t seem to find band mates for neither love nor money. They might have all known each other, but they would only get around to forming a band together in late 2003 after they started attending college together at the Georgia State University. The band started touring as avidly as they could while still attending their college courses, but they began to build up a fervent local following with only their first few live shows. It was then that the band had to make the decision all young musicians dream of having.
In 2004, the band were forced to choose between their education and their burgeoning musical career. Their live shows had not gone unnoticed, and they had gotten to the point where their debut, self-produced E.P was picked up by the independent label The Militia Group. For the benefit of every fan of punk shaped music everywhere, the band chose to continue playing together. Upset with the personality clashes that he had with the band their rhythm guitarist, Andy Lee, chose to leave around this time. However, the band still continued with a new member in the form of Nic Hudson and released their debut full length album “Chroma” in September 2005.
Ever since then, the band have been the connoisseur’s choice of American pop-punk. Since the success of their first album, they’ve signed to Epic Records, toured with everyone from Cobra Starship to All Time Low, and took an album that was written and recorded in 20 days to top 20 of the Billboard 200 albums chart, selling 28’000 copies in its first week on sale. They might not enjoy the success that some of their peers might see but they honestly don’t need it, they have their devoted cult following, and anyone looking for something a little deeper in their pop-punk. Because of that, Cartel come highly recommended.
Live reviews
Cartel are one of those bands you never tire of listening to. Each and every one of their infectious pop punk anthems is epic and uplifting. Lead singer Will Pugh and his high but incredibly steady vocals definitely carry the heavier guitar-ridden songs to a lighter, more pop-soaked level while still retaining all the power that the instrumentation provides. Their debut, self-titled album still remains a firm favourite. It reminds me of my angst-y adolescent years spent listening to the likes of Cartel, New Found Glory and A Day to Remember (amongst many others) in my room, soaking up the emo lyrics and bitter-sweet melodies. Cartel’s recorded material transcends to a live performance incredibly smoothly. I’ve seen them live supporting Forever the Sickest Kids and at Slam Dunk festival and in both settings the band gave their all in really heart felt performances. It surprises me that they aren’t more popular, especially in the UK, or that they haven’t come back with their own headline tour, but in a way the smaller following makes the atmosphere at their live shows even more special; the crowd there are loyal followers. If you get a chance to see Cartel, take it - present or nostalgic pop punk fans alike!
hbrownn02
It is fair to say that Cartel have become something of an acquired taste in recent years following the runaway success of their sophomore self titled album. The fanbase in the UK has stood by them however and although they do not visit very often, there is also mass excitement when they grace our shores.
The band members go way back so their rapport is obviously electric onstage and this enjoyment spurs on the crowds to jump along to the often anthemic pop punk sounds. Will Pugh whips them into frenzy for 'Faster Ride' as the whole venue has arms raised and surge towards the stage as one whilst the percussion thuds all around the venue. Playing a large selection of old material this evening, they are impressed with the intent that fans sing it back to them in force as they clearly have a stronger following than perhaps they first thought. They have the whole room singing in unison for their very first single 'Honesty' which has become something of a cult hit now.
sean-ward
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