CINDER ROAD knows how to push the right buttons and tug on the heartstrings to win over the masses. Playing their radio friendly collection of songs equally matched by their charismatic chemistry, this band merges old school rock sensibility with a modern, pop metal approach — underscored by a unique flavor of attitude and presence reminiscent of the 80s arena rock era.
Neighbors Mike Ruocco and Chris Shucosky formed the band as kids, taking the name of their own street as soon as they learned how to play. They soon began touring as a cover band in high school, says Mike, the lead singer, “We sometimes played as many as six shows a week in high school, playing colleges, clubs, parties or any other gig we could get. We’d be falling asleep in class from all the touring.”
Soon the seasoning at such a young age paid off, when the band caught the attention of Union Entertainment Group, the management team behind multi-platinum selling Canadian Band Nickleback. CINDER ROAD soon found themselves in the studio with veteran producer Marti Frederiksen (Aerosmith, Def Leppard, Ozzy Ozbourne) and the debut album, SUPERHUMAN, was born. “We pinch ourselves every day. It’s been a dream come true,” says Ruocco.
The CD is a mix of High-octane rockers and heartfelt ballads that, according to Ruocco, “Create an experience running the gamut of emotions.” The 11 tracks on SUPERHUMAN are definitely staggering in their passionate range. Ruocco maintains a simple philosophy when it comes to music. “Each song is an extension of my emotions. They’re like my children.”
Whatever lies in their future, CINDER ROAD has set their sites high. That is, if the band’s frontman has anything to say about it. “People go to rock shows to be entertained. They don’t want to hear about politics or look at some depressed kid in a dirty T-shirt. We need to change that. Remember the big arena rock shows? The days of pyro, big light shows, huge stages, ramps, swings, and all that crazy stuff? We want to bring that back.”