#diy feature

[boonesfarmsangria]

Yannis in DIY - Issue 140 May 2024

[mugglenet]

Potter DIY: Mandrakes

Have you ever wanted a cute mandrake for your very own? Here is your chance to create a non-lethal mandrake that will make all of your friends jealous.

http://www.mugglenet.com/2016/02/potter-diy-mandrakes/

[mugglenet]

DIY Feature: A House Divided

Birds of a feather flock together. Or, that’s what they say, at least. But what happens when your main squeeze – the wizard to your wheezes, the pumpkin to your pasties – isn’t sorted into your house? Why, you make a new one, of course!

http://www.mugglenet.com/2015/03/diy-feature-a-house-divided/

[off-shoresnet]

DIY Feature: The Perfect Pursuit - "Extraordinary"

Just a quick note - I've covered a few unsigned bands during my tenure here on Off-Shores. From here on out they'll be labelled as a "DIY Feature." Stoked to keep bringing you more on smaller bands!

A lot of words probably come to mind when you think about local bands, and "ambitious" usually is usually not one of them. Let's face it - a lot of underground and DIY music is shallow and severely uninspired. Luckily, The Perfect Pursuit is not your ordinary local band. The Lawrence, Kansas post-hardcore outfit recently self-released their first album, Extraordinary. Through thoughtfully penned lyrics and blistering music, The Perfect Pursuit has set out to send a message. Extraordinary is a piece of art that deserves your attention.

I first met Quincy (guitar) and Cole (drums) back in 2008 at a local show in Goodland, Kansas. They didn't play, but had heard about the show and decided to come check it out. They told me about their band, The Perfect Pursuit, and ever since then I have watched this band progress from a distance. A move to Lawrence reoriented the band and brought about new members and new drive. The result is some of the most creative and inspired music from the genre that I've heard in quite awhile.

Footage by Matt Isley, Courtesy of TPP

The Perfect Pursuit is best defined by their unique musical compositions combined with hauntingly gorgeous vocal harmonies between Lori Muilenburg and Daniel Rhoads. Songs like "Oh, Sleeper" and "For Too Long" deliver an accented punch while "Listen Close" is something softer and more melodic, as well as the closing piano ballad, "Alright". The contrasts throughout the album are excellent, it never gets stale as you listen to the whole thing. They set their standard really high for Extraordinary, and while no music will ever be perfect, this band has came such a long way from being two kids from western Kansas with a MySpace page.  Although the rhythm section is constantly showing it's skill, the blistering guitar, bass, and solid drumming never get in the way of what is being communicated to us - a message that we all should hear. It's not perfect by any means, but it is a fantastic effort from a band that will only keep pursuing what they're looking for. When asked about the concept of the album, Quincy wanted to say that

The whole idea behind the album is that everyone goes through dark times. But we all have it in us to change, to persevere, to stay alive and live extraordinarily. If there's one thing I'd like listeners to get from listening to the album, it would be just any sort of hope they didn't have before; whether that just be relating to the dark parts and realizing they're not alone to feeling inspired by the lighter side and feeling like they can move mountains.

<a href="http://theperfectpursuit.bandcamp.com/album/extraordinary" data-mce-href="http://theperfectpursuit.bandcamp.com/album/extraordinary">Extraordinary by The Perfect Pursuit</a>

Recommended if you like: Earlier releases from Thursday and Thrice, Dustin Kensrue, Emery

Stream or purchase Extraordinary on Bandcamp.

Follow The Perfect Pursuit on their Facebook page.