Sucios by Dirt Bikes

In Memory of Sasha.

Dirt Bikes' new EP "Sucios" marks the first release from the band as it begins its second decade. Originally formed at the end of 2009, Dirt Bikes have remained stalwarts of the NYC music scene for the last 10 years. During that time, they released 2 EPs and 2 full-length albums, while maintaining a steady gigging schedule in the US along with several tours in Europe, gaining a well-earned reputation for their sonic blend of raw energy and frank intimacy.

The release of the band's previous album "Mistakes Make Pretty Patterns" in 2017 sparked an evolutionary period for Dirt Bikes, as they endeavored to continue musical growth while contending with seismic socio-political shifts as well as personal losses & struggles over the following 2 years. It was during this time that the band also experienced a very rare lineup change: After becoming a trio prior to recording the 2014 EP "Coasts", Dirt Bikes once again became a 4-piece with the addition of guitar player Jonny Taylor.

Jonny had previously served as recording and mixing engineer for the "Mistakes Make Pretty Patterns" LP, and during that process developed a bond with core members Richard Lehmann, Sergio Perez and Meike Wagner. Having contributed to an expansion across the 8 songs on MMPP of the band's previously more lean sound, the trio subsequently considered ways to recreate the now more layered compositions in a live context. After originally being brought on as an auxiliary member to help achieve that goal, the band invited Jonny to join as a permanent member of Dirt Bikes following their exhilarating tour of Germany in the summer of 2017.

It was on the Germany tour that the songs that make up the new EP began to take shape. The title track "Sucios" was debuted on this tour, and served as a vehicle for the band's expanded lineup to develop a new musical dialog while revealing the live power and potential of once again having two guitars in the mix. The return to a 2-guitar lineup also inspired Dirt Bikes to revive songs from their first 2 releases (2010's "The Ear" EP, and 2011's "This Shit's For Sale" LP), many of which had been benched from their live sets after the departure of founding member, guitarist/vocalist Ryan Montgomery. The influence of revisiting their earlier material can be heard in songs on the new EP such as "Are We the Only Ones?" and "Hangover My Head".

While the band was revisiting their past for inspiration, they were not content to just look back: “Vast Unknown” further develops some of the musical and emotional threads that were woven on MMPP, and “Rat Race” finds the band exploring pathways of sound that are quite unlike any Dirt Bikes has previously traveled.

Motivated by the outpouring of fresh music, the band was anxious to capture and share the new songs with the world. Tracking for the songs that would become the Sucios EP initially began in late 2018, but as eager as they were to begin it eventually became clear that this process should not be rushed. As the new songs continued to develop during their live shows and rehearsals, so did the production of the recordings - Jonny, reprising his role as the band’s recording engineer, drew from his experience now being a member of the band to help shape the tracks into a faithful representation of Dirt Bikes sonic vision and live sound.

As the recording process moved ahead and sights became set on mixing and eventual release, a tragedy temporarily curbed some of the group’s momentum in August of 2019: the news of the untimely death of Sasha von Agranov, dear friend and recording engineer on the first 2 Dirt Bikes releases, shocked the band and all who knew and loved him. His passing brought forth a time of mourning and reflection, but out of this a fresh context, urgency and sense of purpose was revealed for the new songs and future of the band.

Dirt Bikes entered 2020 feeling revitalized - after celebrating the band’s 10 year anniversary with a packed show at NYC's Pianos in January, they set their sights on completion and release of the EP. With mixing well underway, all seemed to be on track for an early April release and support gigs to follow… that is, of course, until the grim and life-altering realities of the COVID-19 pandemic made it clear that any previously made plans were now off the table.

Momentum may have been slowed once again, but even with Richard, Sergio, Meike and Jonny unable to meet in person, the band remained determined to finally complete and release the EP (with Jonny setting up remote mixing sessions to get it across the finish line), as a testament to the resilience of our communities during times of calamity such as this. As heartbreaking and traumatic as this worldwide catastrophe has been, the members of Dirt Bikes have been inspired and encouraged by the outpouring of love, compassion and sacrifice demonstrated by healthcare, emergency, and other frontline and essential workers, as well as the ingenuity and generosity of neighbors, friends, and family to help each other get through this crisis.

Dirt Bikes hope this release brings some joy, inspiration, distraction during these troubling times, or perhaps can serve as a catalyst to vent frustration and “let it all hang out” for our listeners, friends, families and fellow citizens of Planet Earth. We appreciate any and all support for our current and future endeavors, whether that is limited to just giving a listen, or going as far as purchasing our music or buying some merchandise.

We love you all, and look forward to the time (hopefully soon) when we can see you and play for you, and be together in person again!

New York stalwarts Dirt Bikes draw listeners in with compact songs that blend garage energy, college rock jangle, and a bit of pop shimmer. Running the gamut from frank intimacy to furious energy, they take us from back porch reminiscences to the front lines of protests, visiting ghosts of the past and tackling anxieties of our shared present.

dirtbikes.nyc
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