East of Sweden

East of Sweden is an alt rock/post punk act out of San Diego, California. The band consists of Eric Sellers (vocals, guitar, keys), and Andrew Loc (bass, vocals, piano/keys). The band does not have a permanent drummer as of late, but currently plays live with drummer Eric Brozgold. East of Sweden’s sound brings together a rhythmic synchronicity, gritty guitars, and an upbeat danceable groove. In their three year existence they’ve garnered comparisons to Q and Not U, a guitar sound that’s reminiscent of U2’s the Edge (minus the need of his own guitar tech, haha), and all whilst maintaining an angular tone that whispers 80’s post-punk. These comparisons do little to showcase the raw energy and unique style that Eric and Andrew bring to the proverbial table. With a raspy, airy quality to his voice, Eric draws the listener in towards to the candlelight of emotion in which each song was inspired. At the same time, soaring wails akin to Ian MacKaye bring earnest intensity to the powerful crescendos. Andrew’s note selection and unique bass style need no explanation, only an honest ear. East of Sweden was born in early 2010 when a group of musicians and friends came together to create a sound that denied the need to be pigeon-holed. This catalyst was brought on by the way previous endeavors had failed to satisfy their desire to just create without genre boundaries. Going through several lineup changes, the band has morphed into a duo type song writing relationship, with Eric Sellers and Andrew Loc at the helm. Believing in a mostly DIY aesthetic, East of Sweden has handmade all of their albums. Their debut demo-album was constructed of reused paper shopping bags, and their 2012 EP, ‘Sink or Swim’ is still handmade using construction paper and a home printer. They also prefer to book their own small tours as well as make their own videos, occasionally enlisting the help of artistic friends in the music community. Currently working on a new album scheduled for mid-summer, the new material they’re creating is “expanding to include more electronic elements,” while still keeping true to a mostly guitar, bass and drum structure. East of Sweden is an alt rock/post punk act out of San Diego, California.