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August 2020 Featured Band
THE WORKERS PRESENT... "THEATRE OF THE DISTRAUGHT" Hard-working New York musician Dan Greenwald is the man behind the moniker "The Workers." A musical force to be reckoned with in the late '90s, the eclectic band was often compared to The Talking Heads meets Frank Zappa. They released their debut album "East Bronx Epiphany" in 2000. This experimental punk jazz magnum opus of old and new material was a top local seller at the Tower Records location in the city and allowed the band to continue to record new music and perform live to their growing fanbase. After many band shuffles thru the years, The Workers became a solo outlet for its founder and over the past decade Dan has continued to make music in New York. He returned to SkyeLab Studios, where he recorded the first album, to record his second effort. With the help of ex-bandmate, songwriter Glenn Owens and studio musicians Jim Mussen and Mike Leslie backing him, a second album was released in the fall of 2009.!
The e.p. entitled "Theatre of the Distraught" features 4 songs that capture the rock n' roll free spirit of The Workers. The e.p. has been getting attention from rock radio across the country and Canada and it was featured on legendary bassist Mike Watt's free-form radio show "Watt from Pedro Show." Since its release it has garnered favorable reviews, here is what one rock scribe had to say: "The material is incredibly heartfelt and beautifully melodic in many places. There's some very subtle lead work, especially on "Leave You With I Love You," and the track "Single" is quite revealing. In general the overall tone is one of melancholy but it's stopped from going too Leonard Cohen with, as I've said, some nice lead work. All in all it's an accomplished set of songs, with some rather appropriate artwork. Nice one Dan."-DW Hughes, Modern-Dance Magazine The CD is now available thru CDBaby and ITunes. For more information on The Workers visit the website www.myspace.com/theatreofthedistraught
The Workers' East Bronx Epiphany Reviews This disc reminds me a bit of the '80's, when bands recorded with a carefree attitude and included a variety of songs on the album... you'll find songs that range from light and easy, to up-tempo punk-infused numbers... initially, I was going to remark that there is an amateurish sound overall, but the more I listen to the disc, the more I think that's part of the charm and appeal- -Bill Ribas, NYRock Street Beat
There's an early Cleveland feel, and even a bit of Talking Heads in and amongst... the overall sound seems to fluctuate from sparse instrumentation to pretty well full on... not a bad set of songs, with some pretty fine playing... there's some great artwork within, and the cover's oddly unsettling yet compelling- -D. W. Hughes, Modern Dance Magazine
The Workers have created an album of eclectic musical shorts... with traces of Sabbath... and Zappa... it is 80's inspired discord with players going off in all directions and occasionally reaching a consensus... it definitely requires a second and third listen... East Bronx Epiphany has that pot inspired jam feel... a definite college crowd pleaser- -James Grimes, Muse's Muse
As with all outcasts and outsiders, The Workers have something to offer... The Workers album is best described as quirky... the memorable tracks and instrumentation that stick with you after a few listens are certainly enjoyable- -Corinne, Plug In Music
They're quite retro in their sound... it isn't just the 70's they're going after... instead they head for an 80's kind of sound that borders on new wave and punk... the sound could've been a little better, but that's a minor detail- -Ane Erlandsen, Past and Present Webzine
The Workers play their instruments well and the arrangements are solid. I also like the fact that no song is over 3.5 minutes long... Dan Greenwald has a unique but sometimes nasal sounding lead vocal that works well but may not appeal to everyone... the cover art is exceptional- -Madmonk, New Artist Radio
Holds a light clean rock sound, with well refined bass and guitar grooves, backing up a very tight group... reminds you of Tears for Fears, The Talking Heads... The Workers cross many boundaries and bring together a soulful collection of tracks- -Dan Coleman, FlagAss Radio
I like The Workers... I think that this album is a really good representation of their abilities... the songs that you find on this album are well-written... I would definitely recommend that you pick up a copy... In the vein of bands like REM and The Clash, they are song-focused... Listeners may find that they don't care for particular aspects of the band's sound... Don't let minor problems chase you away... Be sure to take the project in as a whole, and see if it doesn't affect you!- -Mark Lush, MidwestBands.com!
Started: Late '90s
Members: Daniel Greenwald. Former Members, Rich Santiago, Glenn Owens, Jim Mussen, Mike Leslie.
Location: Bronxville, New York
Influences: Punk Rock, Progressive Rock
Sounds Like: Talking Heads meets Frank Zappa
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