* En anglais uniquement
Led by guitarist/vocalist
Nicholas Halpern (aka
Nathan Halpern),
the Flesh also included keyboardist
Gabriella Zappia, bassist Jason Binnick, and drummer
Greg Rogove. The New York City quartet specialized in the kind of slithering, dance beat-infused art punk that had become a genuine indie rock trend in the early 2000s with the success of groups like
the Rapture and
the Fever. After debuting in July 2003 with the
Death Connection EP for Kanine,
the Flesh jumped to Gern Blandsten for the
Sweet Defeat EP, issued almost exactly a year later. The releases were well-received and, coupled with a buzz for their sweaty live shows, built anticipation for
the Flesh's self-titled full-length, which appeared via Gern Blandsten in October 2004. Touring over the next two years found the band on stages alongside
Hot Hot Heat,
Death from Above 1979,
Radio 4,
Pretty Girls Make Graves,
Man Man, and many more. This activity led nicely into the eventual April 2007 release of their sophomore effort,
Firetower, which featured new drummer Peter Angevine. ~ Johnny Loftus