The Reigning Sound was born in Memphis, TN. Its daddy was a Flash & The Memphis Casuals 45 and its mother a Barbara Pittman single. Life was not easy for this musical what-not. Kids shunned it for its rock`n'roll sensibility and obvious lack of polished shtick. In true stepchild fashion though, the band continued to develop a unique sound all it's own that didn't really focus on any of the preconceived genres. Within weeks they found their audience and were shakin' down the house at clubs all over town. "Hail, Hail Rock 'n' Roll and fuck your prefab garage" appears to be some sort of battle cry for them.
This from their leader Greg Cartwright whose previous bands The Oblivians & Compulsive Gamblers were so closely linked to the "Garage Punk" stereotype of ten years ago. "We were never really like most of the other bands" says Greg." I covered R&B, gospel or country songs with absolutely no regard for any 60's aesthetic or sound, I just enjoyed finding an obscure song and breathing some new life into it." This same instinct for a truly inspired cover or a genius original can be found in the Reigning Sound. Greg is aided by bass player Jeremy Scott, organist/guitarist Alex Greene and drummer Greg Roberson. The first album, which is on SFTRI, showed Greg's talent for crafting great moody soundscapes but "Time Bomb High School", their new record on In The Red, shows you the full spectrum of their dynamic live show. Catch them this summer on their West coast tour with the Hives and see what it's all about.