Emily & the Complexes

A Band Enjoyed on the Rocks

There’s nobody named Emily in Emily and the Complexes. Instead, the band is an outlet for singer-songwriter Tyler Verhage, who has spent his time on the road with nothing but a guitar strapped across his back. He met his fellow bandmates in Ohio, and the group was born. The band does have a full-length to their credit, but they’re now unleashing a follow-up EP, which is available only digitally and as a seven-inch vinyl record. Based on the goods here, Emily and the Complexes may just very well be the next Whiskeytown, just with a little more rock heft. Dirty Southern Love has a very Crazy Horse feel to it, particularly on the crashing guitars that introduce “Joshua”, but there are hints of folk rock here as well. Emily and the Complexes practically skip over genres, and that’s what makes them so interesting. While one could quibble that the songwriting could use just a bit more polish – the ending of “Yer Boyfriend (Is a Cheapskate)” seems truncated and aborted – this is genuine and authentic music that is compulsively listenable.

“You Won’t” has a particular heft and power, and is a good time crunch of rock ‘n’ roll. “Jersey City Blues”, for some reason, reminds me of an early Radiohead song, as the vocals are reminiscent of Thom Yorke’s. There’s even a lyric that goes, “If you’re gonna creep me out.” Strategically, the strongest tracks make up Side B of the EP, and those tracks are being shared on Soundcloud, which might be a little weird, but at least you can say that this record ends on a sterling note. There’s real honest to goodness emotion and heft to these songs, and while the EP format doesn’t exactly play to these guys’ strengths as it’s over before you can really get into it, Emily and the Complexes is certainly a band that’s ripe for discovery. Scorching and fiery, the Dirty Southern Love EP is a cutting investment, and one best devoured with, as the band sings, “rubbing alcohol or scotch, I don’t care.” - PopMatters

Ain’t nobody named Emily in this Columbus, Ohio-based band (although Emily Mollineaux took the photo above), but we’ll let that slide. “You Wont” is from their new EP/7-inch, Dirty Southern Love, due out on August 19. It’s loud and lazy, gritty and pretty and we like it a lot. Hope y’all agree.

Emily & The Complexes were born on the road, so it’s no surprise that they’ll be burning up the asphalt in support of the new record. Catch ‘em if you can (you might see us at Don Pedro on August 17) - The Big Takeover

“Rubbing alcohol or scotch, I don’t care” is the first and last laid back line you will hear in the new Emily & The Complexes video for “Jersey City Blues.” The track is from the Columbus Ohio’s band new EP, Dirty Southern Love that was just self-released this past Tuesday.

The song is a good sample of what the four track EP holds like its slower tempo and breakout moments. Frontman and songwriter Tyler Verhagen also offers a very warm and organic vibe which really brings you into the track. The EP was mixed by Drew Vandenberg (Of Montreal, Toro y Moi, Drive-by Truckers) and engineered by Dan Coutant (Into It Over It, Lemuria, Touche Amore) which helps give Dirty Southern Love a top notch sound.

As you will see in the video, Emily & The Complexes like to have a good time but you can hear their overall seriousness in the music which instantly captures your ear. Please check them out for yourself below and enjoy The Fire Note video premiere of “Jersey City Blues” from Emily & The Complexes. - The Fire Note

Song Premiere: “Jersey City Blues” - American Songwriter

Debut: Stream Emily & the Complexes, Dirty Southern Love. Delivering complexes from Columbus, OH. - Impose Magazine

Take a pinch of folk, a smidgen of rock and mix thoroughly with oodles of indie and the result is a great 4 track EP ‘Dirty Southern Love’ from Ohio band ‘Emily & The Complexes’.

Quite how the lead track ‘Jersey City Blues’ came to drop onto my lap I’m still not sure (that wonderful new invention ‘The Internet’ may have had something to do with it one suspects). However, these things tend to happen for a reason and this moment of good fortune led to an addiction that could only be satisfied by obtaining the remaining three tracks.

The EP’s tracks, while genre-crossing, have a very lazy, laid-back feel to them. There is no fluff or over-production here, just strong songwriting, talented musicians and wonderfully crafted lyrics. In fact, it’s the lyrics that take the tracks in an all-together different direction to the aforementioned simmering arrangements as singer/songwriter Tyler Verhagen leaves us in no doubt his creations relates to real life experiences. - Gig Soup

When Tom Konitzer and Brett Gregory were fifteen years old, the two young men made an impulsive decision, making their first purchases at a music store — Tom bought a drum kit, and Brett bought a bass. Being fifteen, this is a dream. You and your best friend are about to start a band and play for all your friends and family. What could possibly be better a diary entry? Tom and Brett channeled their teenage angst into their music and began their post-punk band, rivaling with current bandmates, Tom and Jordan, for pre-pubescent stardom.

It’s a decade later, and Tyler, Tom, Brett and Jordan have united as Emily & the Complexes. These four goofy, kind and extemporaneous men happen to share the same passion for music, and have been taking substantial steps towards their musical career this past year. Fresh off of their two week Summer Tour, Emily & the Complexes are taking time to re-charge and rejuvenate from their unpredictable and sweltering hot journey, sharing their story with me.

Kicking off their 2014 Summer Tour in Columbus at Rumba Cafe, the boys said farewell to Ohio and packed up their gear in Tom’s less-than-functioning mini van. Five days into the Emily & the Complexes’s tour, Dirty Southern Love was released, and their record was displayed during thirteen live shows. Friends in Columbus binge-listened to the record, while the four boys headed to unfamiliar territory.

A four track record written by Tyler, Dirty Southern Love brings a cohesive, singer/songwriter ambiance that lingers in your ears. The record is lackadaisical and effortless, warming your body with complimentary instrumentation and pronounced percussion. Tyler shared his writing process with me, revealing he doesn’t pump out songs like an energizer bunny at a typewriter. “It’s reflective of a significant part of my life, and I write when I have something to write about.”

Heavily inspired by Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, Lana Del Ray and DIY punk-rockers, Tyler pulls from his personal experience when writing for the group. Admiring Tyler’s savvy relationship with lyrics and melody, the bandmates assist in composition in order to compliment and communicate his message as accurately as possible.

The Dirty Southern Love tour skipped across the country, visiting New York, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee (to name a few places), traveling in their un-air conditioned, uncomfortable mini-van, named Chewy. As the unofficial fifth member of the band (although incapable of playing music), Chewy has taken the four boys and all of their equipment on three separate tours since 2012. A name that originates from the comedically frightening Chewbacca sounds that occasionally erupts from the steering wheel, the vehicle has safely transported Emily & the Complexes across the country — with a few technical problems, of course.

Currently focused on playing with out-of-town bands Emily & the Complexes met on tour, the boys are booking and continuing to showcase the live rendition of record Dirty Southern Love. From playing in New York’s grungy bars, Athens house parties and Nashville establishment, the group has gained the experience needed to guide the rest of their journey. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for the swooning sounds of Emily & the Complexes. - Columbus Underground

What does "bunbury" mean? (No cheating; give it your best guess)

Bunbury is an excuse to get out of something boring. I read that somewhere.

What are 3 things that you know about Cincinnati?

The Cincinnati Reds were the first professional baseball team. It is referred to as the Queen City. It has really good chili.


Write a Twitter-style (140 character) description of your band

Folk inspired Indie Rock. Desperate, Soulful, and honest, like 20th century American Literature.

There’s a lot of great bands performing at Bunbury, give a sales pitch about why people should come watch your band during the time slot you’re playing?

Our live show is very energetic and passionate. Playing shows is why we are in this band and we love having other people people be a part of our music. Also no one is playing the mainstage at that time, so it’s a good opportunity for people to come check out some of the smaller bands playing.

What do you think of the fact that Jane’s Addiction is headlining one of the nights of this festival but is not appearing at Lollapalooza this year?

We’re not that familiar with Jane’s Addiction but they’re a really big band and we think its great that Bunbury is able to bring in these kind of names in its first year.

What band is missing from this lineup that you’d love to share a bill with?

The National

Will you have the opportunity to check out any other bands and, if so, who are you looking forward to seeing?

We play Friday and are excited to see All Get Out, Matt Pryor, Minus The Bear, and The Airborne Toxic Event. If we get the chance to stay the weekend there are like 20 awesome bands we would love to see.

Links: Website / Facebook / Twitter - Donewaiting.com

After a couple years spent traveling, vocalist/guitarist Tyler Verhagen realized all he wanted to do was to write and play music. He moved back to his hometown of Cincinnati and started playing solo acoustic folk as Emily And The Complexes. By late 2011, he had enlisted three bandmates who “all love playing music. For me, there's nothing more frustrating than having an amazing weekend playing shows in a couple different cities and then having to wake up Monday morning to show up at a job that's stifling and menial.” The band will continue touring behind their debut full-length this fall - Alternative Press