We Want Action Compilation

In 2003 We Want Action, the label run by Relay Recording put out a compilation documenting the various bands on the label or that had recorded at the studio. It's a great time-capsule of 2003 Columbus, with bands such as Tiara, Denovo, Kopaz, The Sun, Templeton, Silencio, Miranda Sound, Frotiva, 84 Nash and The Last Hotel all contributing tracks.

Columbusmusic.com Compilations

Launched in 1999, Columbusmusic.com was an alternative to the established Cringe.com in covering the local Columbus music scene. While Cringe tended to have a more narrowed focus on bands, Columbusmusic.com covered everything and had the added feature of a message board. They also put on a number of showcases and released a few compilations, featuring bands such as Go Robot Go!, Templeton, Nude, Silo The Huskie, Pretty Mighty Mighty, Kopaz, Maery Lanahan and more.

Video: Pacific Dead End by Kopaz

Columbus Underground: Kopaz Releases Final Album, Rocks Rumba Tonight (2010)

After a hiatus, Kopaz returned in 2010 to release the long-gestating Teeth Like Cities, which included a release show at Rumba Cafe. Here is an interview the Columbus Underground did with the band back in 2010:

Luckily for us, Kopaz had been writing new songs following Future Radiant Shine prior to their break in ’06. They decided to start recording them at home on their own and on their own terms. Although their interest in the music never faded, time and obligations and other projects intervened, and the emerging record remained unfinished. However, in late 2008, the band hired Jon Chinn to mix one of the recordings, and the project once again picked up steam. Fast forward to the summer of 2010. Teeth Like Cities is complete, and the band is ready to share their songs with the world. The album is a departure from the “pop urgency” of their previous efforts. Instead, Teeth is a beautiful album that “revels in the darkness and mystery of a band on the verge of collapse.”

New Additions: Future Radiant Shine by Kopaz

Kopaz are not new to me. I had the pleasure of playing on bills with them around town, and seeing them as well, and they never disappointed. I bought their 2001 debut Starboard Rail when it came out, but failed to grab their follow-up Future Radiant Shine released on We Want Action in 2004. Luckily I recently rectified that, and I'm glad I did, as the band is in at their peak with their take on math rock riffing.

Know Yer Band: Kopaz

Band: Kopaz

Members
Vocals/Guitar - Brian Hake
Guitar/Vocals - Sean Gardner
Bass/Synth - Kevin Davison
Drums - Nathan Keister

Releases
2001 - Starboard Rail album (Not On Label)
2004 - Future Radiant Shine (We Want Action)
2010 - Teeth Like Cities (We Want Action)