Esion

Blending heavy melodic rock, power pop, and electronica, Esion has established a sound that is difficult to classify, but easy to identify. The Detroit-based band combines energetic vocals with neck-snapping beats, vicious guitar riffs, and dizzying synthesizer work. Since its initial inception as a one-man band in 1995, Esion has evolved into a full band that continues to forge new territories while staying grounded to the music they make and the listeners who support them. Don Kline began writing and recording in the spring of 1995 while he attended the Eastern Michigan University School of Music. By the end of that year, he adopted the Esion moniker and released his first collection of original material on e.p.. Joining him for his first live performances was Benic Systems, an Ann Arbor-based lighting and theatrics company that has continued to design and run custom lighting for almost every Esion show since. In March of 1996, Kline released the industrial-tinged Lickity Split, focusing on heavier beats, grinding samples, and stronger melodies. The full-length follow-up garnered some good regional press, but recognizing the need to release a more radio-ready effort, Kline returned to the studio and began writing new material. In early 1998, he emerged with En Route. Featuring a variety of styles ranging from drum 'n bass and trip-hop to salsa and jazz, the album quickly caught the attention of several radio stations and independent record labels. As "13 Machine" and "Drill the Sky" were added to regular rotation on college radio in the Midwest, Kline travelled to New York to promote En Route and meet with record labels. A few months later, Esion contributed "You Are Hear" to Delectronict, the debut compilation CD released by the Detroit Electronica Coalition. The new...