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RESEARCH TURTLES
By: Audrey Adelle



Though the Research Turtles may sound like a flash from the past this quartet is not only reviving, but also  reinventing British rock a la Beatles. Hailing from Lake Charles, Louisiana the band is comprised of brothers Jud Norman (vocals/bass) and Joe Norman (guitar/vocals), Logan Fontenot (lead guitar), and Blake Thibodeaux (drums/percussion). Half of the Research Turtles were in one band and the other half in a separate band before coming together to form Research Turtles.

Generations of band names have always been odd accompanied by long winded stories. However, this band’s name was inspired by a Wes Anderson film. Remember The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou? Yeah, Hennessey’s research turtles. Thankfully the band’s sound is way better than the rating for this movie on Rotten Tomatoes.

They are most often compared to The Beatles and Weezer. Their dynamic blend of classic rock with pop rock is just right. You can’t call them peppy and yet you still can’t call them emo either. They’ve found a middle ground that most bands can’t pull off. As for the common theme in their songs: relationships, naturally. Their songs are their own with Jud penning the lyrics and the band collaborating on the sound.

While the band is trying to get their feet off the ground, they not only play as the Research Turtles, but also as a cover band by the name of Flame Throwers. They insist that though cover bands have a bad reputation, they still bring home the money and until Research Turtles takes off this is what they will continue to do to make ends meet.

The Research Turtles have released two EPs and are about to release their first full length album. The band recorded half of the album in Louisiana and the remaining songs in California. Produced by Nashville's Justin Tocket (Marc Broussard, Son’s of William) their self-titled debut will be available starting August 14, 2009.

For more information, visit the band's official website at [http://www.researchturtles.com]


 
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