After more than 20 years at the helm of the legendary punk
rock act No Use For a Name, TONY SLY continues to illustrate
his songwriting prowess with the release of his first full-length
solo album, 12 Song Program. Abandoning the signature electric
guitars and aggressive rhythms of NUFAN, Tony sets out armed
with only his soothing and captivating melodies, guided by an
acoustic guitar and a smattering of various other classic
instruments. As a master of transcribing personal experiences
and bemusements into transcendent verse, it follows that the
lyrical content of 12 Song Program is nothing short of poetic as
well. The songs range from folk to pop, with many genre defying
moments in between, but are all sewn together seamlessly with
the common thread of innovative and dexterous craftsmanship.
12 Song Program serves to display an angle of Tony’s
songwriting that rarely emerged in the medium of punk rock,
with notable influences including such varied artists as The
Beatles, Iron and Wine, Coner Oberst, and Elliot Smith. To
further develop the aural layers of the album, Tony utilizes the
vocal capabilities of Karina Deniké (Dance Hall Crashers) and
Joey Cape (Lagwagon) to complement his own. As a whole, 12
Song Program is a triumphant foray into new territory for
TONY SLY, bolstered by intriguing and unforgettable melodies
that leave the listener craving more.
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