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PULSE ULTRA
by Sarah Klosterbuer
"It was always immediate. I always had each guy in my head… all these guys fit in perfectly to make this band," recalls guitarist Dominic Cifarelli.
He and bassist Jeff Feldman had been playing together for years, but the lineup was juggled a bit before drummer Maxx Zinno and singer Zo Vizza finally rounded out the quartet collectively known as Pulse
Ultra. Hailing from Montreal, the band has begun its invasion of the American rock scene with a recent gig opening for Gravity Kills and a slot on this summer's Ozzfest tour. Not a bad schedule for a
band that has yet to release its debut album.
"Headspace" is slated to drop July 16 of this year. The band's maiden voyage into the studio was a surprisingly fulfilling and enjoyable experience, a far cry
from the horror stories that seem ever-present in recollections of recording an album. Responses like "awesome" and "dream come true" fill the air when prodded for their memories of the recording process.
"It's difficult," continues Feldman, "Because you always want to do your best and you always want to make the best album, the best record that anyone could ever make but…you always have to enjoy it, you know?
You always have to make sure that this is something you're going to look back on in twenty years and say, 'This was the first time I did this and you know what? I had a great time.'" Fond memories aside,
"Headspace" has an interesting vibe to it. There are crushing guitar riffs, melodic vocals, thundering drums, an appearance by a piano, and more, all mixed into one album. Pulse Ultra have thrown in a wide
assortment of ingredients and pulled out a fairly unique sound.
Like most bands, they come off a lot heavier live. Promises that their live show is an honest display of emotion, not a smoke filled
spectacle, were kept as the band opened the night at Club Raven last month. Unfortunately, the crowd was packed with unforgiving fans of fellow opener American Headcharge, and was a bit skeptical of Pulse
Ultra in general. To their credit, the band was well aware of what they were up against, and as Cifarelli jokingly lead the crowd in chanting for Headcharge, they seemed to maintain respect and
appreciation.
At any rate, Pulse Ultra have a lot going for them musically and have managed to snag some good exposure and publicity. The deck is stacked for their success, and the question mark
floating above everyone is how far they will take it.
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