Biography
Instruction's raw, high-volume rock approach stemmed from the earlier tenures of its players in Quicksand and Errortype:11, yet the decisive chapter unfolded when this New York City foursome, initially overlooked on home soil, won over British audiences and subsequently attracted Geffen's interest. In 2002 the lineup coalesced around former Errortype:11 members Adam Marino on bass, Ti Krek on drums, and Arty Shepherd on vocals, together with ex-Quicksand guitarist Tom Capone. Local word-of-mouth generated only gradual traction in their hometown, a pace the musicians found inadequate, and Shepherd in particular felt the pressure of time. He concluded that the gritty, driving band needed to break through quickly or else he would "pull out the stool" and "turn into Paul Weller." Those and similar remarks helped endear the group to the U.K. press once Shepherd brought Instruction across the Atlantic in 2003. Anticipating that the country's smaller size would accelerate recognition, he proved correct: after Gravity issued The Great EP in April, a U.K. tour supporting Funeral for a Friend, and a series of rapid-fire, profanity-laden interviews with Shepherd appeared in the music magazines, the band received widespread British endorsement. Stateside, Kerrang! anointed them "rising stars," prompting Geffen to sign the act, pair it with producer Bob Ezrin, and release the debut album God Doesn't Care in August of 2004.
Albums