New Alone began in 2011 under the working title Foundation initiated by multi-instrumentalist Lee Beebe. In 2013 the band changed it’s name to Mental State, and in 2015 added new members including, Sean Jeung, Jarad Odicio, and Regan Pritt. Most members are engaged in new projects and currently only Lee remains of the original lineup which now consists of Bassist Kae Klinger, Drummer Matt Tomlinson, and vocalist Michael Greco.
New Alone derives it’s title from the increasing isolation of the individual in society through the advent of social media. Their music, an experimental sound taking inspiration from Pink Floyd, Radiohead, and U2, boasts of intricate lyric placements and an ambient tone created through combining classic rock instruments and synthesizers. The band intends on releasing a full length album in spring 2018.
New Alone uses music as a way to direct people’s thoughts inward into a retrospective stasis. Lee claims “music should be an escape. Not an escape from reality but an escape to a vantage point on reality; a place where reality is viewed from a better perspective”. Providing a refreshing dose of punk antagonism towards the music industry, Lee and the band strive to push against the shallow melodies and lyrics of contemporary music while opposing the commercialization and deadening of art.