Eastern Conference Champions

Punk-pop energy, mainstream melodies, and a knowing comedic touch converge in the music of Eastern Conference Champions, the Pennsylvania trio whose members brought substantial alternative-rock experience from prior projects. Longtime associates Josh Ostrander, who handles vocals and keyboards, and drummer Greg Lyons had previously played together in Laguardia, an act that issued a Universal release in 2003 before the group dissolved. Throughout 2004 the pair held uninspiring daytime employment while devoting evenings to crafting fresh material. By 2006 they felt prepared to share their songs publicly and reconnected with former acquaintance Vern Zaborowski, who had just stepped away from his bass duties in the punk-leaning CKY. Once aboard, Zaborowski supplied added grit and assisted in completing the band’s introductory EP, The Southampton Collection, issued that same year via Leftwing Recordings. Interscope, the major-label subsidiary, signed the group in 2007 and delivered its first full-length effort, Ameritown, during the summer. The follow-up album, Speak-Ahh, surfaced in 2011 through the Rockhampton imprint.