Socratic is an American rock band from Cranford and Linden, New Jersey. After signing to Drive-Thru Records in 2004,[1] they released their debut full-length Lunch for the Sky in 2005, the Just Turn EP in 2006, Mark Hoppus-produced follow-up album Spread The Rumors in 2008 and their self-produced self-titled album Socratic (The Album) in 2012.[2] Socratic toured throughout their entire tenure performing in Japan, Australia, and the continental United States.

Socratic
OriginCranford/Linden, New Jersey, US
GenresEmo, indie rock, pop punk
Years active1999–2014
LabelsDrive-Thru Records
MembersDuane Okun
Thomas Stratton
Lou Panico
Kevin Bryan
Vincent D'Amico
Past membersAdam Swider
Christian Mazza
Patrick Tobin
Mike Neglia
Ryan McNulty
Greg Scalera
Christopher Grzan

History

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Socratic formed in 1999 by childhood friends Kevin Bryan (lead vocals and guitar) and Thomas Stratton (drums). Bryan's high school classmate Patrick Tobin joined the band on bass in November that year. Shortly thereafter the band recorded (their self-released debut) "Socratic EP" and added Duane Okun as lead guitarist and backup vocalist. Tobin left in late 2001 and was replaced by bassist Adam Swider.

In 2002 the band were signed to No Milk Records and on January 6, 2003, released their second EP It's Getting Late. The band then formally signed to California label Drive-Thru Records in 2004 and put out their first full-length album, Lunch for the Sky (September 2005).[3] The album was produced by John Goodmanson (Hot Hot Heat, Sleater-Kinney, The Blood Brothers) at Longview Farms Studio in rural Western Massachusetts. In the month preceding the album's release, the band toured the US with Near Miss, the Cover and the Vacancy.[4] At this time the band added Vincent D'Amico on piano which heavily influenced the band's sound.

Swider left the band in May 2006 and was replaced by bassist Lou Panico. In June 2006, the band supported the Forecast on their headlining US tour.[5] In December 2006, a free 5-track EP entitled Just Turn was made available for download from the band's Myspace and PureVolume profiles.[6] Their next full-length album entitled "Spread The Rumors" (produced by Mark Hoppus of blink-182 and +44) was released on May 6, 2008, and was recorded in Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker's recording studio in California.

In 2010, founding member Kevin Bryan left the band to focus on his career as co-owner/recording project coordinator at Soundwaves Studios in Union, New Jersey.

In 2011, drummer Thomas Stratton and former guitarist Kevin Bryan opened 10th Street Live, a music venue and bar in Kenilworth, New Jersey.[7]

The band released a self-titled and self-produced followup online in 2012. With no set prices, they encouraged fans to pay what they thought the record was worth.[citation needed]

Duane Okun and Lou Panico continue to write music and perform with the band Levy and the Oaks in Asbury Park, New Jersey.[8]

Discography

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Albums

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  • Lunch for the Sky (2005)
  • Spread the Rumors (2008)
  • Socratic (2012)
  • It's Getting Late (2002)
  • Just Turn (2006)

Singles

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  • "Boy in a Magazine" (2008)

Non-album tracks

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A Christmas Coal Coral (Featuring Rendez Vous) - A Christmas track released December 2008.

References

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  1. ^ Jordan, Chris (August 1, 2019). "Relive Big '80s Montego Bay, Tsunami nights at the Headliner in Neptune". Asbury Park Press. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  2. ^ Smith, Roz (January 11, 2012). "Interview with Duane Okun and Lou Panico from Socratic: Trials And Tribulations". The Aquarian Weekly. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  3. ^ Paul, Aubin (June 28, 2005). "Socratic to release Drive-Thru debut on September 6th". Punknews.org. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  4. ^ Paul, Aubin (July 21, 2005). "Near Miss / Socratic / The Vacancy / The Cover". Punknews.org. Retrieved November 1, 2021.
  5. ^ Paul, Aubin (May 11, 2006). "The Forecast / Mashlin / Socratic / Tourmaline". Punknews.org. Retrieved January 24, 2022.
  6. ^ Reinecker, Meg (December 9, 2006). "Socratic EP available for free download". Punknews.org. Retrieved February 7, 2022.
  7. ^ LoBianco, Jennifer (April 6, 2016). "10th Street Live in Kenilworth Re-Invents Itself with Unique Dishes and Revamped Entertainment". TAPinto. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
  8. ^ Olivier, Bobby (January 23, 2019). "31 New Jersey bands you need to hear in 2019". NJ.com. Retrieved January 15, 2021.
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