Southeast Engine is a potent example of a band whose sound doesn’t necessarily reflect its initial influences. The seeds of Southeast Engine were planted in the ’90s, when vocalist/guitarist Adam Remnant and drummer Leo DeLuca attended the same Dayton-area high school. Like most musically inclined teenagers at that time, Remnant and DeLuca were profoundly moved by the work being done by local heroes like Guided By Voices, Swearing at Motorists and Brainiac, but it was the duo’s move to Athens, Ohio, in 2000 that ultimately made the greater impact. The influence of Dayton’s local scene paled in comparison to the inspiration and adoration they felt after being exposed to the area’s Appalachian and dusty Folk traditions and, as a result, the band that they formed 11 years ago bore the unmistakable brand of Americana.
Although Southeast Engine has endured a number of lineup shifts over the past decade, the band’s sound has remained remarkably consistent with Remnant at the creative tiller. SE self-released its first two albums before signing with a small label for their third release, the well-received Coming to Terms with Gravity.
Southeast Engine play MOTR Pub Thursday. Go here to read Brian Baker’s full Sound Advice.
This article appears in Mar 16-22, 2011.