Former Tides

The term “supergroup” isn’t used often -- and shouldn’t be! If you’re unsure of the definition, a “supergroup” is a band consisting of exceptionally talented musicians, each with a history of well-received past (or sometimes current) projects. On a local level, the first two that come to mind are Moth & the Flame and Neon Trees. The local music scene is vast and varied, though, so I want to make sure you know about the newest Utah County supergroup, Former Tides.

I’d heard whispers about this “secret project” for about a year. Knowing only that Trevor Espinoza and Tyson Clegg were involved -- musicians who had earned my respect in their previous bands, Despite Despair and Starvist -- I anxiously waited for the band to be officially announced. I’d thought I was being kept in the dark, but it turns out they were just waiting for the right line-up to fall into place.

Former Tides initially formed in August 2013 as a 5-piece metalcore band (think Converge, Architects, and August Burns Red). When the band stepped out from the shadows, I learned that Luis Cardenas (We the Equinox, Sea Swallowed Us Whole) was also involved in the project, I was sold. But still in the dark. When was this band going to release a single, or start playing shows, or something?

By February 2014, the band had gone through five different vocalists. When Devin Barrus (Silter, Subversa, Proving Ground) came on board, his background in alternative rock changed the band’s musical dynamic entirely, creating, as drummer Trevor Espinoza described, “a fusion of pop/post hardcore with a hint of metalcore influence." Their sound is continually evolving, though; the band experiments with different aspects of a variety of genres. Former Tides is the resulting combination of skill and play.

Former Tides will play their first Utah County show Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Stereo Room in Orem. Go see them so you can brag about it later, when this supergroup blows up beyond Utah Valley. Buy tickets in advance here. - Daily Herald- The Ticket

Wow, I gotta say I really, really like this song. As tired as I’ve been lately some reviews have been hard for me to write. This one is going to be very easy. Let’s start with the vocals. For one the falsetto on this cat is crazy awesome. He’s got a brilliant range when in his neutral voice, but those highs are what’s going to get you. There are perfect harmonies between the lead singer and their back up vocals guy. The guitar work is pretty damn stellar with the guitarist getting a couple of opportunities in this tune to really show off his skills without becoming overbearing. The drum track is an excellent mix of mid to uptempo beats and then there is the double bass. I’ve been really grooving on bands that are adding in double bass in their pop/rock style songs. Used to be you only heard it in hard core metal or thrash (where I first heard it), but now these newer bands are really being creative with where they include it. This song is an excellent example of this new technique.

I can’t wait to sample more of Former Tides’ music. I absolutely love their vocalist and the music is exactly what I like. It’s not every song that grabs me so completely as this one did. A lot of songs I review I give five stars to because after I listened to them a couple of times the song stuck. This was an out the gate winner for my musical tastes. I want to put this song on every list I have, the rest of the bands on it be damned. I’ve already started to look for it on my phone so I can have it in the morning for my commute to work. - Music Bank

Hailing from Utah, Former Tides. Meshing the sounds of Metal, and Radio Rock. These guys are seriously doing something great here. The first time I listened to their track Invisible Wolves, it was quite refreshing, there are too many bands out there doing the same thing… This is NOT the case with Former Tides. They have harnessed the energy of metal with the radio playability of something like Imagine Dragons and have effectively created their own sound and Identity. The musicians are top notch and their music is great. As always I was able to catch up with the guys from the band for a little Q & A but first check out their pics and a recent music video.





Q & A

1) There are a lot of rock bands now of days, how would you say Former Tides distinguishes itself from the rest of the pack ?

Former Tides implements a lot of different musical elements that a typical rock band wouldn’t

2) What are the band’s musical influences ?
The biggest influences on the band thus far would have to be Our Last Night, PVRIS, The Neighbourhood, and ISSUES.


3) Is the band preparing for any regional or national tours ?
The band will not be touring until the release of their upcoming EP. However, they do plan to travel play out of their own state this year

4) Who are your favorite bands or Artists ?


Collectively, all of our favorite artists would include: Anberlin, Mallory Knox, ISSUES, Sam Smith, PVRIS, Circa Survive, Saosin, The Weeknd, The Color Morale. There are so many…it’s hard to list them all.


5) Where can fans find music and merch for the band to purchase ?
Both merch and music can be found on our bandcamp at formertides.bandcamp.com. All of our current music is available on itunes, spotify, cdbaby, soundcloud, and many other internet radio sites. All updates and material can be accessed through all Former Tides social media. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat! - New Artist Weekly

All of these indie pop bands are great and talented, but if you’re looking for a local band that can rock – look no further than Former Tides. Their latest EP shows that this band has the exhilarating, fast-paced hard rock that this scene is looking for. - X96 Radio

The Utah County rockers Former Tides are at it again with their new EP What We Are, and the results are loud, energetic and pretty kickass. The post-hardcore scene has been dwindling as of late, but these guys brought some serious crashing guitar riffs to the studio just in case you forgot. The title track gets the EP started and really displays the overall sound Former Tides are going for. It’s high energy, then soft and sweet, then high energy, then sweet and so on. This is what screaming with feelings is all about, and fans of Anberlin will rejoice with this new effort. The live versions of these tracks give the songs even more kickass-ness, so I highly encourage you to get out there and support these guys in our local scene. This album is an excellent effort all around. –Benjamin Tilton - Slug Magazine- Benjamin Tilton