Biography

"Those who feel there aren't enough women in rock who actually rock will want to take note of the Passive Aggressives, it's hard to think of anyone on the modern music scene who compares with the Passive Aggressives."

-- Greg Schwartz
Bullzeye Magazine

Few bands are more aptly named than The Passive Aggressives. The term itself hints at the unresolved conflict at the heart of their music and the creation of their sound. Mixing aspects of Progressive Pop and Alternative Metal, the music is not easily defined (definitely a passive aggressive move). Sweet-sounding melodies draw the listener in, a soft voice coos and then the hammer comes down creating a full bipolar listening experience -- dynamics at their extreme. Perhaps it can be called "libido rock," but the Bay Area based quartet's full-length album, "Conflict Resolution" is like nothing currently out there -- and they want you to know it. After taking part in a few festivals across the country, including South by South West, they will tour to support their latest release starting in October.

Consisting of Keren Gaiser on vocals, Jose Santiago on guitar, Damian Lynch on bass and Tim Dayner on drums, the Passive Aggressives may be rooted in styles both past (Veruca Salt/Primus) and present (Mars Volta/Audioslave), but the way they came together is pure internet-era -- through ads on Craigslist. Music brought Keren to San Francisco after serving in the Israeli military. And, after establishing a solo pop career which included multiple CDs and shows in the US, Europe and the Middle East , Keren was looking to find a solid group that could hold its own against the power of her voice. Jose, Damian and Tim had been in the Alt-Metal band Feral Moan, a Bay Area favorite for four years, but in meeting Keren online during their search for a new vocalist, they found the unique piece needed to create an original sound.

Currently, they are booking dates to support the new album which features 15 new tracks that tackle much more difficult subjects than their previous release. Whereas the EP "Reloaded" discussed external societal issues like prostitution, gambling and politics, "Conflict Resolution" takes a more personal look at internal struggles like depression, guilt, isolation, and suicide. The lyrics are designed to exist on more than one level as a puzzle where meanings continually shift with subsequent listens. Even the members disagree on lyrical content; "One More Look" is either a love song or a statement against racism. But, if it is a love song, they immediately follow it up with "All We've Got Is Now," the anti-love song praising the virtue of seizing the moment. "Don't Want To Be You," compares the loneliness caused by an absent father against the personal guilt of abandoning one's own family. Says Keren, "its about me being grumpy at my old man." The extreme dynamics are still there as "World of Compromose." builds from an acoustic guitar folk rif into a climax of full metal angst detailing, as Damian says, "an Ode to Bill Gates and the dog eat dog corporate culture." The most groove based of the tracks, "Slice It Away" deals with suicide and "Soundtrack To The Voices In My Head" takes an intellectual look at the media in a rocked-out punk anthem.

While the lyrics may never be pinned down, it is the Passive Aggressives' virtuosic playing that announces itself immediately to each listener. The rhythm section of Damian and Tim simultaneously steadies and fuels the band, so that Jose can mix severely melodic explosive playing, and that Keren has a foundation to "Tear the roof off of the building."

Even while their debut EP is still getting airplay on college radio stations across the US and Canada, the Passive Aggressives are ready to gain an audience the old-fashioned way; face to face and show by show, overwhelming audiences with their fun, adrenaline fueled live show. You will hear start hearing "Conflict Resolution" on college stations starting september. They have been as far east as Austin to rock out for South by South West and are working on tour dates to support this summer's release of "Conflict Resolution."

Instrumentation
Keren Gaiser Vocals
Jose Santiago Guitar
Damian Lynch Bass
Tim Dayner Drums