Local Rock Band Metaphoria Shifts Focus to Debut Record

Macomb rock band Metaphoria is currently writing and recording its debut album.

The band hopes to have the record released and ready for distribution by the end of summer. The record's first two singles, "Troublefree Transmission" and "Can't Get Enough," are currently available for download in the band's online store.

Evolving from singer Ryan Roosen's solo project, the RyanHORIZONband, Metaphoria is barely as old as the summer. Regardless, the band has already played some of the area's bigger venues, including the and the Crofoot in Pontiac.

The band also recently performed on 21 and Over, a Detroit sketch comedy show in the vein of Saturday Night Live.

Such a fast start for a young band isn't typical but Metaphoria has quickly made an impression with its diverse set of songs and solid lineup of local musicians. Their two available songs are as disparate as a young band can hope to achieve.

Keyboardist Alex Schlump, who moonlights as a teacher at , wrote "Troublefree Transmission." The fact that the song was written by a keyboard player with classical leanings is immediately evident, with its swelling, moody atmospherics and less traditional song structure.

"Can't Get Enough" is its counterpoint. Coming in at just over two minutes, the song is upbeat, poppy, and straight to the point. It's a perfect summer jam. Roosen's composition is tight and dance-ready.

From influences as dissimilar as Pearl Jam, Death Cab for Cutie and even Mariah Carey, each member of Metaphoria each brings his or her own distinct voice to the songwriting table.

Singer, guitarist and songwriter Roosen moved to Macomb about five years ago.

"I moved from Sterling Heights after high school, and it's really been a perfect area to live in," Roosen said. "We have lakes, beaches, endless restaurants, malls, bars and most importantly, a thriving music scene.

"The amount of original music coming out of this area blows me away. I'm proud to be a part of it."

The rest of the summer will see Metaphoria play another show or two but the main focus will be on finishing the group's debut record.

"This is the first summer as this new band, so we're really just trying to build a solid foundation, a great local following, an amazing album that we're all proud of and trying to create as many opportunities as we can," Roosen said.

Ties to Macomb

Singer Ryan Roosen moved to Macomb five years ago. He loves its thriving music scene and impressive selection of restaurants and bars.

Drummer Sam White attends Macomb Community College, where he studies business and journalism.

Trumpet player Kristen Runco lives in Macomb Township. She recently moved there from Davenport, IA.

Keyboard player Alex Schlump is a teacher at , teaching English, math and psychology.

Bassist Joshua Truszkowski was a manager at a sub shop Roosen worked at and learned how to play the bass directly for the band.

Metaphoria is hard at work recording its debut album at Metro 37 Studios. Two tracks are available at metaphoria.bandcamp.com. The group will be playing at the Warren Community Center on July 29.