The Finals

Planning a getaway usually describes someone looking for a way out. But for The Finals it spotlights a band looking to go forward, full speed ahead.

Hailing from Bergenfield, New Jersey, a mere 15 minutes from NYC, The Finals are looking to build on the success of their debut EP Long Story Short on Stab Me Recordings released in August 2004. Signed to Immortal Records now, you can say theyre looking to getaway to bigger and better things with their full-length debut aptly titled Plan Your Getaway.

A lyric from the records opening track Right Here, Not Now, Plan Your Getaway signifies moving forward with the next step in our careers, guitarist/vocalist Jason Sazer explains.

Friends since they were kids, or as bassist/vocalist Matt Reilly likes to put it, since we all co-starred in Look Whos Talking Too," it was inevitable that they would form a band together. But first a few changes were made as three-fifths of the band had to learn new instruments to play: Jason Sazer went from bass to guitar, Matt Reilly changed from guitar to bass, and Christian Kisala turned in his drum sticks for a keyboard.

Weve all either grown up together, went to the same schools or met playing in bands, guitarist Lou Bottone says of The Finals' genesis. Timing was really everything for us. We were all free, started writing some songs and the rest is history.

Recent history perhaps, as the band members only range in age from 21-25. Collectively influenced by a diverse array of artists such as The Beatles, Metallica, Alkaline Trio, Death Cab for Cutie, The Clash, Hot Rod Circuit, Jimmy Eat World, The Postal Service, New Order and The Cars, The Finals aimed to recognize their influences while making a solid and distinct record; not tied to any particular scene.

We feel Plan Your Getaway is a diverse record, Bottone says. It has so many moods and we experimented with a lot of different sounds and textures. This album has something to offer everyone.

This album blends a lot of different genres and styles, keyboardist Christian Kisala adds, while still representing the band and where were coming from.

Without trying to sound clich, Jason Sazer notes life, struggles and relationships influence their songwriting. And listening to the first single, Theyll Never Know, you can definitely hear a mature sound at work. Its about confronting ones issues and not being afraid to ask for help, Matt Reilly points out.

Exactly a year ago, February 05 to be exact, The Finals began recording demos in their basement. In June they entered Nada Recording in NY with Heath Saraceno of Midtown producing and John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail) serving as engineer. A month later Plan Your Getaway was completed.

Weve known Heath ever since we were kids and even played in some of our first bands together, Bottone says about their relationship with Saraceno. If it wasnt for him stepping up to the plate and producing the record we might not have one. Hes the easiest person to get along with; he understood where we were going with this record and helped bring it to life.

Having played with The Ataris, Autopilot Off, The Matches, Midtown, and MU330, The Finals have fined tuned their live show into a powerful and explosive experience, as drummer Joshua Sazer likes to put it. Matt Reilly describes it as, a cool breeze followed by a wave of constant heat.

Ready to hit the road in support of Plan Your Getaway The Finals arent looking to escape or run away but instead go straight for the jugular with an album full of diverse and energetic songs destined to win over fans one blistering show after another.

anberlin, sherwood