sk any member of The Corrections and they will tell you that it’s difficult to place their style of music into just one genre or to compare their musical style with that of another band. Using compound descriptions like ”pop-rock alternative” or ”adult contemporary” is not enough, you actually have to hear their mix of catchy, melodic sounds and poignant lyrics to actually understand what they are all about. It’s worth it.

The band’s history can be traced as far back as 1999, when vocalist/guitarist Guillermo Izquierdo first met bassist Tim Mroz through their involvement with the band The Contortionists. The two shared a common ground not only when it came to their musical interests but also with their strong roots in the Buffalo music scene. Izquierdo was known for his guitar skills and vocal talents in bands such as Wisdom of Children, Bread Gone Wry, and Original Skin, while Mroz was and remains one of Buffalo’s premier bassists. They formed a fast friendship and one day hoped to share a joint musical venture.

That venture finally came with the 2004 formation of The Corrections. After filling out the rest of the band with musicians they felt were best aligned with their musical vision, including current Corrections’ guitarist Mark Ricci, The Corrections became a five-member lineup that included vocals, dual guitars, keyboards, bass and drums. Drawing on musical influences such as Chris Trapper (and The Push Stars,) The Smiths, Belle & Sebastian, Elvis Costello, Lloyd Cole and Crowded House, The Corrections began to embark on writing and recording their first original material together as a band.

In late 2004, the band recorded and released their first EP entitled “The Man They Could Have Saved.” Although only consisting of three songs, it gave a very clear outline to friends and fans alike what exactly the vision was for this newly assembled band’s future. It was not long before the band developed a faithful following and started receiving strong accolades such as winning the award for Best New Original Band at the 2005 Buffalo Music Awards.

Throughout the next few years, The Corrections spent time not only performing in and around the Buffalo and Rochester area, but honing their sound and songwriting craft, expanding their set list with even more original music of which they planned to eventually record into a full-length release.

In 2006, original Corrections drummer Erik Hallmark decided to leave the band to attend school out of town. Although saddened by his departure, The Corrections did not lose one step of momentum and brought in much sought-after Buffalo drummer, Cave Wilson.

It was also throughout this time that The Corrections had the distinct honor of opening for national recording artists such as America, Chris Trapper (of The Push Stars,) and most recently Willie Nile.

Yet another amicable lineup change occurred in Summer 2009, this time original keyboardist Rob Pacillo decided to leave the band due to his heavy schedule. The Corrections quickly brought in highly trained pianist and singer, Julie Arlotta. Although she had big shoes to fill, Arlotta brought a fresh perspective to The Corrections already much polished sound.

In August 2009, The Corrections took a trip to Hoboken, NJ, where they spent a week recording with producer Dan McLoughlin at The Vault Recording Studio. Currently being mixed, these new tracks from The Corrections will be a culmination of everything the band has evolved into in their nearly six year history. The band is hoping this new recording will be ready for an early 2010 release.

Although their devotion to The Corrections keeps them quite busy, each member of the band has found ways to use their creativity in other projects as well. Aside from The Corrections, Mark Ricci plays with rock party band Drunken Uncle, Julie Arlotta teaches music and directs musicals, Cave Wilson continues to perform with The Filter Kings and other bands, while Tim Mroz plays in a wide variety of different bands including Those Idiots, The Nickel City Pimp Choir and The Nelson Starr Band, which also includes Guillermo Izquierdo.

With a passion for evolving their music and themselves as a band, The Corrections continue to think in the long-term. Having already proved themselves as a staple on the Buffalo music scene, hopes are high to expand the bands already loyal fan base with help from the upcoming release and future shows. Their unique sound might be hard to describe, but it’s something that needs to be both seen and heard. It is a musical experience not to be missed.

— Lindsay Kustich (December 3, 2009)