New Sound and Attitude Give "Attractions" Local Attention

Sometimes musical growth means a simpler route. As the music scene yearns for newer landscapes, somewhere beyond many cookie-cutter-counter-culture kids, "Attractions" take the stage with veteran pose and the best of intentions.

"There is no way to describe how and how much it has evolved,"  said Josh Teodoro, guitarist and lead vocalist of Attractions, of his band's music. "It has been incredible."

Attractions needed renewal. A permanent encore. Formerly known to the Northern Virginia underground as "Priceless Enuendo," the indie four-piece band strived for independence and identity.

"At first we weren't very skilled at our craft, we wanted to write good songs like the bands we loved, but we just couldn't get past the garage band feel or sound," Teodoro said. "As we got older, we grew to appreciate tone and sound instead of just plugging and playing, we put much more time and diligence into our songs. With that came something we are all much more proud of."

And though they carry a fresh name, Attractions has roots that started six years ago when Teodoro and drummer Zeke Gough rocked out the summer of 2007.

"Josh [Teodoro] asked if I would play bass for them at a show to fill their sound out a bit," bassist Aaron Ryder recalled. "The song 'Turning' was introduced at that show, and from that point on the three of us began to officially start writing music together."

The band released a seven-song EP in early 2009, but a minimal response prompted Attractions to start from scratch. Newly recruited guitarist Tim Bridgwood added a fresh element to the rejuvenation process.

"We were unsatisfied with the lack of any sort of response to the EP," Ryder said. "Josh and I worked hard to try and come up with new material, but it wasn't until Tim joined the band that things really began to take off. He came to one of our practices a few months ago, and since then he has established a crucial role in our writing process and in our overall sound."

With a new attitude, "…Like a Church Mouse," the band has started to work on their first full-length album. Drawing from the symphonic focus of Sigur Ros and the marauding rhapsodies of Thrice, Attractions hopes to unhinge the immanent rodent to the local masses.

"As Priceless we have played in almost every venue in the Northern Virginia area, getting into Washignton, D.C. every so often, not much because we were too young at the time," Teodoro said. "Personally my favorite venue or venues are houses. House shows are always amazingly fun. People who you are close to or not close to all there to share the music and friendship."

And while music may reward with collectivity, it doesn't come easy. Dedication is no melodrama.

"Think about why you want to form your own band, really think hard," Teodoro advised. "Music is something taken way too lightly. It isn't just white noise that people put on to make their morning commute easier. It's an art. Bring some heart into the world of music."

Many have prescribed our local scene has expired, thirsting for a remedy. Attractions offer counsel highlighting individual effort and a collective campaign.

"Really become a part of the music scene," Teodoro said. "If there are no shows coming up. Create a show. Get all of your friends involved and they will get theirs involved. Make your house a venue for a night! Be very social."

If their craving for melodious activism doesn't make them all the more laudable, perhaps it is their attentiveness to local networks that makes them so attractive.

"Our area has a ton to offer!" Teodoro exclaimed. "There is a huge variety of music and a lot of people who care a ton and love going out and supporting bands."