Born of a series of sleepless nights and countless songs in late 2001, Andrew Paley, Adam Meilleur, and other members began playing local shows under the name The Static Age in Burlington, Vermont in 2002. Not even a band for a full six months, the band self-released the full-length demo The Cost Of Living which quickly sold out of its first pressing and was picked up by a Boston-based indie, who ended up selling over 2,000 more copies in 2003. A buzz had started in New England and The Static Age soon found themselves playing with such artists as Hot Hot Heat and Interpol. From the strength of their first recording, they were chosen by AFI to open their Canadian tour. Also around this time, the band took time out to record The Past and Now single with Kurt Ballou of Converge.
The result of all this momentum was the band's proper debut full-length Neon Nights Electric Lives, produced by Matt Squire, which saw a tour-only release in late 2004, but a fully-distributed release on the art-centric Tarantulas Records in 2005. The critically-acclaimed album also boasted bonus remixes by Jade Puget of AFI and Daz of The Explosion. The Static Age's momentum could not be stopped even when their drummer bowed out of the band's rigorous touring schedule in the last half of 2005 -- Coby Linder of Say Anything filled in for the band on multiple tours into the fall.
Following up on Neon Nights Electric Lives and a year in the van, the band spent a good deal of early 2006 working on a new record (in between a few shorter tours). The result was Blank Screens, out on ReIgnition Recordings. After the album's release, Carlson joined up with the band for the subsequent tours on guitar. Blank Screens garnered high praise from critics and fans alike, and the band hit the road again, spending over half of 2007 on tour with the likes of Tiger Army, Street Dogs, Theo and the Skyscrapers, and others.
Currently, The Static Age is writing and demoing towards its next release, while releasing a series of videos built around the themes explored on the "Blank Screens" record. The trilogy of videos complement the "Cherry Red" video (released to MTV/Fuse, etc in 2006) and are being released only online. A new episode debuts every month at SeventeenScratches.com.
*Bio taken directly from thestaticage.com. For more information visit thestaticage.com or
myspace.com/thestaticage.
Armory
The Static Age Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
in a bed for three
you're a pretty picture
you're a dread disease
painting shadows on the walls in this armory of toys
hardens hearts against the feeling of the need for something more
don't worry
i am not falling for it
i am not falling for it
head over heels
and alone for now
in a crowded room
watch the angels crash on
liquor lips and blue moons
along the sound of laughter coming dancing down the halls
is a whisper of the feeling of the nonsense of it all
don't worry
don't say sorry
i am not falling for it
i am not falling for it
head over heels
the chorus comes alive
cacophony catcalls
and who are you to say
where i'm wrong
when i dance
and fall
everyone i ever loved
has come and gone
everyone i ever loved
everyone
The song "Armory" by The Static Age begins with the depiction of a situation where two people are in a room designed for two, but a third person is also present in the bed. The lyrics paint a harsh image of how this third person, who is essentially an unwanted presence, is like a dreadful disease affecting the pretty picture of the couple in the bed. The shadows on the walls in the cluttered room with toys symbolize the mental state of the couple, which has become increasingly hardened to the basic human need for love and affection. The chorus repeatedly emphasizes the singer's indifference to apologies, and their aversion to falling head over heels in love.
The second verse shifts the focus to a crowded room where the singer's loneliness is highlighted. The person watches the chaos of the crowd, but it seems difficult to connect with anyone because everyone is too busy drinking and making merry. The last line of the verse suggests that even amidst such a scene of carefree amusement, the singer can sense the pointlessness of all this madness. The chorus is repeated and this time with a more commanding emphasis, as the singer demands that one does not tell them where they are wrong, especially when they are dancing and falling.
Overall, the song seems to be a commentary on how modern society has become so overwhelmingly busy and fast-paced that we forget to connect with each other on a deeper emotional level. The armory of toys may symbolize the distractions and desires that keep us from experiencing genuine human connection. The singer recognizes the futility of apologizing and expressing false sentiments when it is easier to distance oneself and shield the heart.
Line by Line Meaning
In a room for two
Being in a space that is meant for an intimate experience shared between two people
in a bed for three
A situation where an additional person is present, imposing on the intimate experience
you're a pretty picture
Aesthetically pleasing, but lacking substance or depth
you're a dread disease
A harmful presence that causes distress and suffering
painting shadows on the walls in this armory of toys
Creating illusions and distractions in a place filled with superficial material possessions
hardens hearts against the feeling of the need for something more
Blocking emotions and desires for genuine connection and fulfillment
don't worry
There is no need for concern
don't say sorry
There is no fault or blame to be placed
i am not falling for it
I am not being fooled by the superficial and empty facade
head over heels
Completely enamored and infatuated
and alone for now
Presently solitary
in a crowded room
Surrounded by people, yet still isolated
watch the angels crash on
Observing the lofty and idealized expectations of others collide with reality
liquor lips and blue moons
Intoxication and false nostalgia
along the sound of laughter coming dancing down the halls
In the midst of festive and seemingly lighthearted surroundings
is a whisper of the feeling of the nonsense of it all
Beneath the surface is an underlying sense of the absurdity and pointlessness of it all
the chorus comes alive
The repeated musical refrain becomes more intense and prominent
cacophony catcalls
Harsh and discordant sounds and criticisms
and who are you to say
Questioning the authority and legitimacy of those who make such critiques
where i'm wrong
Challenging the notion of there being a right or wrong way to live
when i dance
In the act of expressing oneself freely and joyfully
and fall
Being vulnerable and open to failure and mistakes
everyone i ever loved
Each and every person who has been held in affection and esteem
has come and gone
Have entered and exited from one's life
everyone
A collective reference to all individuals
Contributed by Nolan S. Suggest a correction in the comments below.