many of the best and most original rock bands of all times were formed while their members were still callow teenagers, cranking out beautiful noise and angst-soaked anthems before they were old enough to vote or die in a war. indeed rock and roll was borne from the post-world war II hope for a better tomorrow, coupled with the underlying cynicism that things will never really change, so lets live it up before the whole shithouse goes up in flames. what began as a few high school friends experimenting with music in a basement in LOUISVILLE, KY some 10 years ago, has evolved into what may be one of the music scenes most promising new bands. AMHERST is a band to be sure. some might call them alternative or indie, but they are essentially a rock band...homegrown. a band that plays original songs inspired by the 90's acts they love and grew up listening to, but with a nod to the heavy sounds of 70's bands like led zeppelin, at an average age of 24, the members of AMHERST are young enough to have the energy and blind ambition to get up on stage, embracing the world and all its miseries, and old enough to care that anybody hears what they are saying. with the sonic punch of songs like LOVE ME LIKE YOU DO and HERE+NOW, the introspective I INSPIRED, the soundtrack-ready BLOW OUT THE STARS and MIRRORED ROOM OF WINDOW LIGHT, and the propulsive AVALANCHE, they sing about hope and inspiration, doubt and anxiety, joy and regret, elation and frustration, loneliness and alienation, love and hate. they've performed more than 150 shows throughout the east and midwest and shared the stage with bands like MY CHEMICAL ROMANCE, YELLOWCARD, THURSDAY, MAE and HAWTHORNE HEIGHTS since officially forming in 2006. they're now touring in support of their fourth release, THE DETAIL. with this release, guitarist and vocalist stephen mandlehr, guitarost danny hibbard, bassist speer, and percussionist nick stinnett are vying for rock radio status. the songs are simple and direct and pack a punch. in other words, classic rock and roll made with no apologies, no excuses, and played from the heart where they came. welcome to AMHERST.