The Manic Standstill

Adam Bones delivers a new record that stands out with The Manic Standstill, which includes Brad Dickert on drums and Eddy Hewitt on bass. Having spent his life making music with everyone from Richie Ramone to John Fields to Josie Cotton, Adam has connected with innumerable talented characters, and the recording of this album ended up being one big chosen family reunion.

“I never take my friends for granted,” Adam says. “When my wife and I moved cross-country last year, we went through a long ‘farewell’ process, and it was so bittersweet to leave all these people we loved behind. Being able to write and record with so many of them on this album was such a perfect way to keep our connection alive.”

In the early stages of conceiving the album, Adam was buoyed by encouragement from his former Save Ferris bandmate, Brad Dickert, who, along with mutual friend Eddy Hewitt, helped Adam lay down the original tracks in Brandon’s home studio. Adam collaborated on lyrics with both his wife, Megan, and his touring bandmate Nicolette Vilar from Go Betty Go. As the project evolved, Adam ended up calling in over a dozen other featured guests, from bands like the Aquabats, Teenage Bottlerocket, the Dollyrots, the Screamers, Prima Donna, and the Lillingtons. (*full list of guests listed below)

“It was incredibly moving that everyone was so eager to help out. As an artist, it’s easy to doubt yourself and your work, but the enthusiasm everyone showed towards making this album definitely lifted my spirits and warmed my heart.”

The Manic Standstill’s debut is, at its core, a punk record, pulling clear influences from bands like the Descendents, Bad Religion, and the Ramones. But it’s also flavored with powerpop and straight up rock, and is replete with catchy hooks and unforgettable melodies.

Adam’s goal with the music is simple: “My hope is that anyone listening to the album will feel all the love and positivity that went into it. And that they’ll sing along!”