The Finals | en

For the New Jersey based rock band The Finals, 2006 proved to be a pivotal year. With the release of their first full length album "Plan Your Getaway" on Immortal Records, the band was in full swing, extensively touring the U.S. in support until singer/bassist Matt Reilly faced a life changing decision. After a few months on the road, Reilly decided to leave the band.

Left without a singer, the remaining members (Jason Sazer - Guitar/Vocals, Lou Bottone - Guitar, Joshua Sazer - Drums, Christian Kisala - Keyboards) were unsure of their future. Lou Bottone states, "I was relieved and worried at the same time. I knew we would continue to be a band, but with a new record out and no singer I wasn't sure how we'd recover." After meeting with management, the band made the decision to move forward by posting anonymous ads online in search of a replacement.

Andrew Seagle , a musician from North Carolina whose band had just broken up, saw one of the posts. Coaxed by his girlfriend, Seagle responded to the ad. With nothing holding him back, Seagle hopped on a plane and headed to New Jersey. Well armed with the four tunes the band requested, he immediately impressed the group, and was offered the position after just a few hours. "He was more than we could have hoped for," states keyboardist Christian Kisala. "He's the total package, musician wise, and more importantly... personality wise."

"Upon the first song, first note, even first greeting, it's felt like I'm finally doing the right thing," says Seagle. "I'm dealing with professionals with the same goals. I've received nothing but respect and courtesy, and it's a unit I'm proud to be a part of. Even outside of the music, I couldn't ask for more genuine guys to be around."

The band is currently writing new material for their follow-up to the Heath Saraceno (Midtown) produced and John Naclerio (Brand New, My Chemical Romance, Senses Fail) engineered "Plan Your Getaway." Collectively inspired by a diverse array of artists such as The Beatles and The Cars, to Metallica and Alkaline Trio, The Finals draw from their influences, while making solid and distinct records.

The formula has been successful thus far: The Finals have been featured as Band of The Day on Spin.com and in November 2006, "Plan Your Getaway" was released in Japan via Kick Rock Music. The band has fine tuned their live show into a "powerful and explosive experience," as Joshua Sazer likes to put it, and has been chosen to play with bands such as The Ataris, Koufax, The Matches, Midtown and more.

Continuing to tour in support of "Plan Your Getaway," Seagle reveals, "I know we're heading out to do something important, something meaningful, and I honestly can't wait to see things through." Jason Sazer explains, "We're all confident and comfortable with the fact that Andrew joining the band is going to help take us to the 'next level.' We're all excited to write new songs, and tour as a wiser, more unified band."

For fans of Weezer, and Wilco .