Get Stranded with City of Pieces on “Island Salem”

City of Pieces (CoP) is one of Salem’s favorite bands. The power trio, which includes David Fox on bass and vocals, Karen Holman on guitar and vocals and Doug Hoffman on drums, has been rocking the cherry city since 2014. Although they have been described as “idiosyncratic socio punk” in the past, the band thinks their latest album, Island Salem, is defying genres. The band is not afraid to try new sounds, especially on this new release, said Doug. Their self-titled first album was more about trying to fit their songs into a punk rock box.

While we have not been blessed with a new album since 2015, that does not mean that it has not been in the works. Since the release of its inaugural album, City of Pieces have all been writing separately then coming together to make each song the most honest reflection of the band. David admitted the song “Alverado” was actually written 28 years ago but just now made it to record. Both David and Karen write songs that they then bring to the group to be “City of Piecesified.” Each author is responsible for the vocals on their own songs. Doug then makes sure each track has a unique and identifiable drum beat.

When asked about their favorite tracks, Karen quickly picked “Firecracker;” neither David nor Doug could narrow it down to just one.

David loves “Gumption” for Doug’s drum highlights, but thinks “Status Quo” is probably the strongest song, and he loves how well they improvised on “Little Book.”

“‘Machine’ set the tone for the experience in the studio,” said Doug.

All three sung high praises for Jason Carter at Wavelength Recording Studio, expressing how the relaxed and supportive environment made recording so much fun and creatively rewarding.

CoP loves everything about this album — not just the music. They love that it is pressed on red vinyl and that the cover features beloved Salem artist, Dan May, who passed away earlier this year. Dan created the art for their first album cover and was already working with them on “Island Salem” when he passed, so the cover has become a beautiful tribute and lasting image of someone who was important to the band as well as the community.

David summed up the band’s feelings about this album: “Every song on this record is sincere. There are no filler songs.”

Karen added that it is great because it is music that all generations can and do enjoy. Doug said it is so important to them that it is on vinyl. It is something you have to deliberately take time out and put on and listen to. He encourages everyone to spend time with friends, listening to records and hopes that is what Island Salem gives to people.

Get your hands on City of Pieces – Island Salem 4 to 6 p.m. Friday, August 2, 2019, during their record store release party at Ranch Records. After, you can purchase the album through both Ranch Records and Blast Off Vintage, then catch the band at a record release show Friday, September 13, 2019, at The Space Concert Club.