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Dont call it rock. Dont call it screamo, or trendy, or pop. Its an alternative that can only be described with two words: Disco Fuzz. The Problem defends their title as a dance band, writing catchy but thoughtful tunes that are only emphasized by the intensity of the band's live show. Christian Francis (vocals/guitar) and Justin Bornemann (bass), the two founding members, played together for two years before parting with their former drummer and guitarist. After finding Roman Lewis (drums), The Problem was geared for action.
The Union City, NJ foursome is fascinated by the path that led Clap Your Hands Say Yeah to success, wanting to gain popularity through their own hard work and perseverance; they are not so much interested in a big-time record deal as much as they just want to get their music heard via the Internet and build a solid fan base. Meanwhile, they are also trying to reach a goal of eating Rueben sandwiches at every diner across America.
Influenced by Jack Kerouac's On the Road, a band favorite, Francis quit his seven-year job as a music teacher and now considers himself a full-time songwriter/lonesome traveler. Bassist Justin Bornemann also took a job as a guitar teacher, but also plays bass for New Jersey natives Rick Barry and April Smith in his spare time. Though mainly focused on The Problem, Francis also had a side-project called My Little Pony, a two-piece dance/punk band. Christian also started a record label, appropriately named Disco Fuzz.
Using the newly-born label to put out their self-titled album, The Problem recorded their first full-length at Motherwest and Dubway Studios in New York City with Paolo DeGregorio (the deli magazine). With the band's own Francis producing the album, the band successfully captured the high-energy, must-dance mentality of their live performances.
However, the album could not possibly portray the antics of the fans at The Problem's shows. At one such gig, two girls were so thirsty as to drink drummer Roman Lewis's sweat. Another time, without intention of destroying his instrument, Francis threw his guitar to the side, leaving its remnants to the vulture attendees, one of which ended up getting stabbed in the leg with the broken neck. To experience the hip-shaking, head-bobbing, sweat-drinking activities for yourself, check out The Problem at their next show!!
Remember our motto: "Love us? You're gonna like us."
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