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Something Clever
Something Clever performing live in concert at The Fillmore Underground in Charlotte
Something Clever performing live in concert at The Fillmore Underground in Charlotte
Background information
OriginCharlotte, North Carolina, U.S.
GenresAlternative rock, post-grunge, hard rock, alternative metal, emo rock, punk rock
Years active2011–2020
LabelsBunker Hill Records
Members
Past members
  • Justin Tyme
  • Colt Crevar
  • Brett Baker
  • Lawrence “Lo” West
  • Dylan Roles
  • Michael Brennan
  • Chris St. Hilaire
  • Allen Vogt
Websitesomethingcleverband.com

Something Clever was an American rock band from Mooresville, North Carolina. The band was formed in April 2011 and featured a lineup of long-time friends and schoolmates turned bandmates.[1]

History

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Formation and early years (2010–2012)

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Formed in April 2011, Something Clever was founded by long-time friends Michael Brennan (lead vocals), Kelly Flusk (lead guitar), Chris St. Hilaire (rhythm guitar), Allen Vogt (bass guitar), and Dylan Roles (drums).[2]

After building up a local fan base by performing at local venues and sharing demos of original music on ReverbNation, the band spent much of early 2012 writing and recording songs for their first commercial release.[3]

On April 5, 2012, the band posted to Facebook announcing they were looking for a new bass player after their current bassist was moving out of the area and switching schools.[4]

The band released their debut single, "Black and Blue", on June 14, 2012.[5]

Their debut EP, titled Walk Away, was released on July 7, 2012 and was produced and engineered by Michael Pepe. It would also be the only release featuring original lead singer Michael Brennan before his departure in 2013.[6][7]

That same year, the band won the Ernie Ball and Rockstar Energy Drink Battle of the Bands in Simpsonville, South Carolina, placing first in all voting categories. This victory opened doors to share stages with national acts such as Adelitas Way, The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus, Saving Abel, and Sum 41.[8]

Additionally, Something Clever was commissioned to create music for WSOC-TV’s high school football segment, which aired during the 2011 and 2012 seasons.[9]

New singer, Freaks Like You, Best Laid Plans (2013–2014)

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On May 7, 2013, the band announced via their social media pages that lead singer Michael Brennan had departed and that auditions for a new vocalist would begin the following week. Adam Nelson was officially announced as the new singer on July 13, 2013, with Colt Crevar joining as the new bassist.[10][11]

On November 20, 2013, Something Clever announced their first single with Nelson as lead singer, titled "Freaks Like You," which would be released on December 3, 2013. It marked the band's first official release in this new lineup.[12]

"Freaks Like You" would also be the final release featuring original rhythm guitarist Chris St. Hilaire before his departure in May 2014.[13][14]

During early 2014, the band began writing and recording material for their second EP, the follow-up to Walk Away and the first major release in their new era. In April, St. Hilaire announced his departure, with his final show held on May 16, 2014, in Wilmington, NC, opening for Puddle of Mudd at Ziggy's By the Sea. Brett Baker was subsequently announced as the new rhythm guitarist.[13]

On June 1, 2014, the band announced the single "Best Laid Plans" as the second release from their upcoming EP.[15]

In support of the new music, Something Clever performed alongside Tantric, A Course of Action, and Beyond the Fade on June 8, 2014, at Amos Southend in Charlotte, NC. It was the live debut of "Best Laid Plans."[16]

Throughout the remainder of 2014, the band provided support for Skinn Jakkitt, Kellen Heller, The Dead Rabbitts, A Light Divided, and Zach Myers from Shinedown, while continuing to record songs for their upcoming second EP.[17]

Season of Darkness, Season of Light (2015–2017)

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On January 11, 2015, the band officially announced the title of their upcoming second EP, Season of Darkness, revealing its cover art at the same time.[18]

Season of Darkness was released on March 17, 2015. The EP explored darker lyrical themes and heavier instrumentation, showcasing the band’s evolution toward a more polished alt-metal sound. Shortly after release, the band revealed that Season of Darkness was the first installment in a two-part release series, with the second titled Season of Light, slated for release in late 2015 or early 2016.[19][20]

While not charting on major Billboard lists, Season of Darkness briefly appeared on the iTunes and Amazon Music bestseller lists. It featured two promotional singles, "Freaks Like You" and "Best Laid Plans." Though not released as an official single, the track "Echoes" received an official music video in February 2016 and became a fan favorite at live shows.[21]

In March 2017, the band released their full-length debut album, Season of Light, the counterpart to Season of Darkness. The album spawned three singles: its title track, "Rise", and the third and final single "Snake Oil".[22] Throughout the remainder of 2017 the band toured with Nonpoint, performed at Carolina Rebellion and Blue Ridge Rock Festival and headlined the band's own comic-con and music festival hybrid dubbed as "CLEVER-CON" in October, before returning to the studio in November and December to write and record new music.[23][24]

Departure of Colt Crevar, signing with Bunker Hill Records, Moments: Red, Moments: Blue (2018–2019)

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The band started out in January 2018 in the studio writing and recording new music, notably their then-untitled song "The Hill." Work on new music paused on March 18, 2018 when bassist Colt Crevar announced his departure from the band to pursue other opportunities. He was replaced by Lawrence "Lo" West on May 14, 2018.[25] In late May 2018 teasers were shared on the band's social media pages that they finished "The Hill" and more announcements were coming soon. On May 31, 2018, the band officially announced they had signed a record deal with Bunker Hill Records, confirming plans to release a new single very soon and a new album by year’s end or early 2019.[26]

A day after announcing their signing to Bunker Hill Records, the band revealed they will be debuting the official music video for their next single titled "The Hill" on June 15, 2018 during a exclusive interview and premiere with Antihero Magazine, with an official release to come in the weeks following the music videos premiere. During the exclusive premiere of the music video for "The Hill", the band revealed the single will be released on all major music streaming platforms on July 13, 2018, serving as the lead single for their then-untitled album planned to be released at the end of the year.[27]

During a preview posted to the band's social media pages on November 23, 2018 of tracking guitars in the studio, guitarist Kelly Flusk revealed the new album will be titled "Moments" and that a release date will come in early 2019. On January 1, 2019 the band officially announced their new release, but instead of one full length album, revealed "Moments" would be a series of two interconnected EPs, titled Moments: Red and Moments: Blue.[28] Announcing Moments: Red will be released on February 1, 2019, featuring "The Hill" and the promotional single "Fever Dream" along with a re-recorded version of the band's 2017 single "Rise" and Moments: Blue will release exactly one month later on March 1, 2019.[29] Moments: Blue, spawned the singles "Get With It" featuring Renee Phoenix of the band Fit for Rivals and "Freaks Like You 2.0," a sequel to their 2013 single. Moments: Blue emphasized the band's fusion of metalcore and emo influences.[30]

The band finished out 2019 performing a series of headlining tour dates at The Fillmore: Underground, Shiner's, Amos Southend, performing at the 2019 Carolina Uprising music festival and providing touring support for metal band Swift on their reunion tour, celebrating the 20 year anniversary tour for their debut album "Thoughts Are Thoughts".[31][32][33]

Departures of Brett Baker, Justin Tyme, Lawrence "Lo" West, initially continuing as a duo, Let It Kill Me, 11 Days, indefinite hiatus (2020–present)

[edit]

In late December 2019, guitarist Kelly Flusk posted an update to social media stating the band would have touring opportunities available for bass players, drummers, and guitarists for their 2020 tour dates.[34] While no explanation was initially given, it was later revealed that Something Clever would be entering a new era in 2020, continuing on as a duo with singer Adam Nelson and guitarist Kelly Flusk as the band’s sole members. The band announced they would feature various touring musicians to support them during live performances. Despite the lineup changes, they remained good friends with all former members.[35]

The next announcement came on February 20, 2020, when the band revealed they would be opening for Puddle of Mudd at two North Carolina shows: March 7 at The Fillmore: Underground in Charlotte, and the Cone Denim Entertainment Center in Greensboro. For these performances, former bassist Colt Crevar and guitarist Brett Baker rejoined the band, joined by new touring drummer Alex Hough.[36]

On April 10, 2020, Something Clever announced their new single "Let It Kill Me" would be released the following week on April 17, 2020.[37] The single, heavily promoted by Bunker Hill Records, featured an official music video directed by Tom Flynn, known for his work with Lamb of God. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the band announced they would host live Facebook and Instagram livestreams for Q&A sessions and to preview new music since the pandemic caused the lack of touring. The band followed with the release of the single "11 Days" on August 21, 2020. By early September, the song surpassed 120,000 streams on Spotify, becoming the band's most streamed track to date. Continued COVID-19 restrictions, however, limited the promotion of the single.

Since 2021, Something Clever has remained inactive and has entered an indefinite hiatus, with no updates posted to their social media platforms, official website, or YouTube channel. Band members have since joined new bands and pursued separate projects unrelated to Something Clever. As of 2025, singer Adam Nelson, guitarist Kelly Flusk, former guitarist Brett Baker, and the band’s longtime manager Brandon Hinson formed a new Nine Inch Nails tribute band called “Pretty Hate Machine.”[38] Former bassist Colt Crevar performed briefly with A Light Divided and later joined Forever May Fall.[39][40] In late 2021, Kelly Flusk joined the band Killakoi as lead guitarist, which has since achieved mainstream success and embarked on a North American and European world tour.[41]

Musical style and influences

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Something Clever's music is characterized by heavily downtuned guitar riffs, a mix of melodic and harsh vocals, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of personal struggle and resilience. Their sound draws heavily from alternative metal, metalcore, and hard rock, with influences from bands like Nine Inch Nails, I Prevail, Bring Me the Horizon, and Linkin Park. Critics and fans have noted their ability to balance aggressive instrumentation with accessible melodies, making their music appealing to a wide range of rock and metal listeners.[42]

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Something Clever's music has been featured across multiple media platforms. The band's 2014 song "Best Laid Plans" was used as the entrance song for the WWE NXT tag team The Metro Boys.[43][44]

Their track "Rise" was used in promotional material for Dragon Ball Super on Crunchyroll, amassing over four million views. The song was also featured in commercials or promos for the Nickelodeon series Rise of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, The Equalizer, Black Ink Crew, Becoming, Forged in Fire, and the PlayStation game Armored Warfare: Global Assault.[45][46]

Discography

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Albums

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EPs

[edit]

Singles

[edit]

Band members

[edit]
  • Adam Nelson – lead vocals (2013–2021)[58]
  • Kelly Flusk – lead guitar (2013–2021)[59]
  • Colt Crevar - bass guitar (2013–2018; 2020–2021)[60]
  • Brett Baker - rhythm guitar (2014–2021)[61]
  • Justin Tyme – drums (2015–2021)[62]

Former members

[edit]
  • Lawrence "Lo" West – bass guitar (2018–2020)[63]
  • Dylan Roles – drums (2011–2015)[64]
  • Michael Brennan – lead vocals (2011–2013)[65]
  • Chris St. Hilaire – rhythm guitar (2011–2014)[65]
  • Allen Vogt – bass guitar (2011–2012)[65]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "Something Clever: Band Profile". Spirit-of-Metal.com. Staff Member. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  2. ^ "Something Clever Bio". somethingclever.com. Kelly Flusk. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
  3. ^ "About Something Clever". ReverbNation. Something Clever. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013.
  4. ^ "NEED A NEW BASS PLAYER". Facebook. Kelly Flusk. Retrieved 5 April 2012.
  5. ^ "Debut single "Black and Blue" out now!!". facebook.com. Something Clever. Retrieved 14 June 2014.
  6. ^ "Walk Away -EP (Debut EP by Something Clever". Allmusic. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 27 July 2012.
  7. ^ "Something Clever Debut EP Walk Away". cadiesart. Staff. Retrieved 7 July 2012.
  8. ^ "Band Bio: Something Clever". somethingcleverband.com. Kelly Flusk. Archived from the original on 16 November 2012. Retrieved 16 November 2012.
  9. ^ "The Bash: Something Clever Bio". The Bash. The Bash Staff. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  10. ^ "Something Clever Band Biography on Last.fm". Last.fm. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  11. ^ "Jupiter Tide Singer Adam Nelson Joins Something Clever As New Frontman". facebook.com/somethingclever00. Retrieved 13 July 2013.
  12. ^ "New single "Freaks Like You" set for December 3, 2013 release date". Official Something Clever. Brandon Hinson. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  13. ^ a b "Chris steps down as rhythm guitarist". Something Clever Band. Archived from the original on 12 October 2014. Retrieved 12 October 2014.
  14. ^ "Something Clever Release History: Freaks Like You -Single (2013)". somethingcleverband.com. Something Clever. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  15. ^ "Best Laid Plans (2014) - Something Clever - Single". Spotify. Something Clever. Retrieved 1 June 2014.
  16. ^ "Tantric, A Course of Action, Beyond the Fade, Something Clever - Amos Southend - June 8, 2014". ReverbNation. Tantric. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  17. ^ "A Light Divided / Something Clever 2014". Bandsintown. A Light Divided. Retrieved 7 October 2014.
  18. ^ "SEASON OF DARKNESS.... COMING SOON". Facebook.com. Something Clever. Retrieved 11 January 2015.
  19. ^ "Something Clever - Season of Darkness -EP (2015)". Spirit of Metal. Spirit of Metal Staff. Retrieved 17 March 2015.
  20. ^ "Season of Light (album) on Apple Music". Internet Archive. Brandon Hinson / Something Clever. Archived from the original on 11 September 2022. Retrieved 10 March 2017.
  21. ^ "Something Clever – gothic look, metal sound, in your-face-attitude". The Black Angel. Minister Denial. 15 February 2016. Retrieved 15 February 2016.
  22. ^ "Something Clever "Season of Light" Album Release Show at The Fillmore Underground in Charlotte, NC". fuelthescene.com. Staff. 26 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  23. ^ "Something Clever Concert History". Concert Archives. Website Contributor. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  24. ^ "Blue Ridge Rock Festival Preview!". metalnexus.net. Fist. Retrieved 5 July 2017.
  25. ^ "Introducing new bassist of Something Clever: Lawrence "Lo" West". 77 Music Group. Archived from the original on 27 April 2025. Retrieved 14 May 2018.
  26. ^ "Something Clever inks record deal with new start-up Bunker Hill Records". somethingcleverband.com. Something Clever. Archived from the original on 15 August 2018. Retrieved 15 August 2018.
  27. ^ "THE HILL by SOMETHING CLEVER - July 13, 2018". recentmusic.com. Bunker Hill Records / Something Clever. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  28. ^ "Something Clever Rise To New Heights With Moments:Red". Shutter 16 Magazine. Shutter16. February 2019. Retrieved 1 February 2019.
  29. ^ "Moments: Blue, Something Clever, Finishes Out Moments EPs (EP)". Fuel The Scene. Hannah Lee. 8 March 2019. Retrieved 8 March 2019.
  30. ^ "Moments: Blue -EP (2019)". Spotify. Bunker Hill Records / Spotify. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  31. ^ "Carolina Uprising 2019 with Something Clever and more". Carolina Uprising. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  32. ^ "Metal band Swift celebrates 20 year anniversary of debut album "Thoughts Are Thoughts"". Spirit of Metal. Staff. Retrieved 1 May 2025.
  33. ^ "We are excited to be a part of Swift's reunion tour, celebrating the 20th Anniversary at The RamKat". Something Clever Archives. Something Clever. Retrieved 25 November 2019.
  34. ^ "Guitarists, Bassists and Drummers, interested in working with Something Clever in 2020? DM us for details!". Internet Archive. Kelly Flusk. Retrieved 4 December 2019.
  35. ^ "Something Clever loses band members, reboots as duo: Hard rock is in need of a duo like White Stripes or Twenty One Pilots, and Something Clever's Adam Nelson and Kelly Flusk are poised to claim that spot". somethingcleverband.com. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 4 December 2020.
  36. ^ "Something Clever steals the spotlight from Puddle of Mudd during Charlotte and Greensboro concerts". Independent Music Guide. Stephanie Smith. Retrieved 10 March 2020.
  37. ^ "New single "Let It Kill Me" available everywhere April 17, 2020". Something Clever Band. Something Clever Band. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  38. ^ "Something Clever band manager, Brandon Hinson of 77 Music Group". Archive.org. Staff. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  39. ^ "FOREVER MAY FALL WOULD LIKE TO THANK..." Forever May Fall. Forever May Fall. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  40. ^ "A Light Divided - Choose Your Own Adventure (Album Credits)". Metal Temple. Craig Rider. Retrieved 5 October 2018.
  41. ^ "Former Something Clever Guitarist Kelly Flusk Joins Fellow Charlotte Band, Killakoi As Lead Guitarist". Song Stats. Song Stats Staff. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  42. ^ "About the artist: Something Clever". spotify.com. Something Clever Band. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  43. ^ "The Equalizer (Soundtrack) Season 5: Episode 4 - Sacrifice". ReverbNation.com. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  44. ^ "WWE NXT "Best Laid Plans" (Intro Cut) by Extreme Music (The Metro Brothers 1st Theme Song) by Something Clever". YouTube. FanSmackdownV2. 11 August 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  45. ^ "Something Clever Short Bio". Bandsintown. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  46. ^ "Artist Profile: Something Clever". Recent Music. Bunker Hill Records. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  47. ^ "Something Clever - Season of Light (2017)". discogs.com. Brandon Hinson. 10 March 2017. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  48. ^ "Something Clever - Walk Away -EP (2012)". Discogs. Something Clever Band. 7 July 2012. Retrieved 23 April 2025.
  49. ^ "Season of Darkness -EP (2015) on iTunes". iTunes. Archived from the original on 9 March 2016. Retrieved 9 March 2016.
  50. ^ "Something Clever EP Discography". Elyrics. Staff Member. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  51. ^ "Something Clever - Moments: Blue (2019)". Volt. Staff. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  52. ^ "Band History: Something Clever". Something Clever Official Website. Brandon Hinson / 77 Music Group. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013. Retrieved 27 April 2025.
  53. ^ "Freaks Like You - Single (Lyrics, Credits, Review)". Bandcamp. Staff. Retrieved 3 December 2013.
  54. ^ "Snake Oil (Single) by Something Clever". last.fm. Last.fm. Retrieved 30 April 2025.
  55. ^ a b "Something Clever Discography". Internet Archive. Apple Music. Archived from the original on 5 December 2022. Retrieved 5 December 2022.
  56. ^ "Something Clever -Get With It (feat. Renee Phoneix)". Spotify Web Player. Bunker Hill Records. Retrieved 16 April 2025.
  57. ^ "Let It Kill Me by Something Clever". Spotify. Bunker Hill Records. Retrieved 10 April 2020.
  58. ^ "SOMETHING CLEVER PROFILE - B.A.C.-STAGE - Bands Across the Country". backstagelosangeles.net. BackStage: Los Angeles. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  59. ^ "Kelly Flusk - Lead Guitarist". ReverbNation. Bunker Hill Records. Retrieved 22 April 2025.
  60. ^ "Something Clever Band Profile". ArtistInfo. Staff. Retrieved 24 April 2025.
  61. ^ "Something Clever Concert Review". Rockwired. JEREMY GiLLEY. Retrieved 7 July 2014.
  62. ^ "Something Clever - The Hill - Justin Tyme - Drum Playthrough". YouTube.com. Something Clever. January 2019. Retrieved 1 January 2019.
  63. ^ "Something Clever adds new bassist Lawrence "Lo" West to the band, bringing undeniable energy to an already electric lineup". Antihero. Antihero Magazine. 15 June 2018. Retrieved 15 June 2018.
  64. ^ "Dylan Roles (Something Clever drummer): Discography". Discogs. Brandon Hinson. Retrieved 28 April 2025.
  65. ^ a b c "Something Clever Band Biography". Something Clever Band. Brandon Hinson. Archived from the original on 18 August 2013. Retrieved 18 August 2013.
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