Richmond, VA band draws on acts like New Found Glory in exploring experiences
"I remember the first day of that tour, I called Chad from New Found Glory and told him I had a picture with him. It was really cool for me to be able to do that after being such a big fan of them growing up," Howard said.
Howard and the rest of Conditions — vocalist Brandon Roundtree, guitarist/vocalist Jason Marshall, bassist Corey Thomas and drummer Ryan Tinsley — have shared the stage with many larger name bands in the four years they've been together, including bands like Good Charlotte, All Time Low, Paramore and Boys Like Girls.
"I haven't met anybody who's been too much of a rock star. Everyone's really cool. I remember talking to the guys from Good Charlotte at one of our shows. They were just genuine nice people, so it's been cool," Howard said.
Conditions isn't so underground anymore either. The band has played over 200 shows across America, and after releasing two EPs completely on its own, has been signed to Good Fight Music. The band was also listed in Alternative Press as one of the "100 Bands You Need to Know in 2010."
On Sept.14, the band released its first full-length album, "Flourescent Youth." It was well-received by fans and critics, like those on Review Rinse Repeat, a music website that prides itself on its coverage of rock bands. In a review by RRR writer Denis Simms, the band was praised on its ability to meld catchy tunes with intelligent lyrics. "With their debut album, it can be said that Conditions have achieved something incredible: both transcending the barrier between accessible radio-rock music, and creating music with substance, depth, maturity, intelligence, and wisdom," Simms wrote.
The band took its inspiration from popular rock bands before them, like Blink-182, Thrice and Muse, which Howard said were bands that all of the members were fans of.
When asked what genre he thinks Conditions fits in, Howard said, "I'd call it rock. Alternative rock, I guess. People put a lot of labels on stuff, I just keep it simple."
The simplicity Howard mentioned in his answer doesn't carry over into the music that he and the rest of Conditions make, though. The engaging three-part vocal harmonies and intense guitar melodies make for songs that aren't simply anything. Instead, they bring the listener into the real life experiences that Roundtree, the lyricist, writes about.
Conditions will be lighting up New Brookland Tavern on Dec. 14, alongside Haste the Day, Oh Sleeper and Our Last Night. Doors are at 6 p.m. and admission is $12 in advance and $15 the day of the show.