DELEVELED

Columbia, South Carolina -- on the map thanks to '90s sensation Hootie and the Blowfish, University of South Carolina Gamecock football and a governor whose infidelity made national headlines in 2009 -- is home to another burgeoning sensation: local rock act Deleveled. The band's recent self-produced CD, "Rock is for Lovers," is making waves in the Palmetto State's capital city music scene and posits them for much success in the months to come.

An ensemble that draws influence from rock greats Pearl Jam, Bon Jovi, Weezer and Silverchair has proved a winning combination. The band has been voted by fans as a favorite in the annual “Best of Columbia” rankings on several occasions in Columbia’s arts-centered rag, “The Free Times” (2003: Best Local CD for “Later Than Usual,” 2005: Best Local Rock Band, 2006: Best Local CD for “Keep Them Closer”).

The band prides itself on its live show, with explosive performances of their original material, sometimes sprinkling in a surprise cover here and there (“Billie Jean,” anyone?). When they take the stage, they play with a fierceness so often missing from live acts today. They hold back nothing and leave it all on the floor.

Deleveled recorded “Rock is for Lovers” in 2009 and 2010 with its feverish live shows in mind. To give listeners a taste of their stage prowess, songs were recorded in jam-session style. The result is raw intensity packaged in plastic.

Having shared a stage with recognizable names like Crossfade, LA Guns, Deepfield, Sent by Ravens and Villanova, Deleveled looks forward to continuing to solidify its presence on the rock music scene and becoming a name you won’t soon forget.

Let go of everything you think you already know about music and be prepared to have a new favorite band. Visit www.myspace.com/deleveled or become a fan on facebook. You know you want to.