Thursday, March 15   10:30 p.m.
Exodus   (302 E 6th St)

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New Jersey dream rock quartet Armor for Sleep's emotionally charged lyrics, energetic live shows, and D.I.Y. work ethic have won them a loyal fan base. Singer/songwriter/guitar player Ben Jorgensen began writing songs the summer before his freshman year at college, and recorded two of them at a local studio. Weary of playing all of the instruments himself, the self-admitted recluse found kindred spirits in bassist Anthony Dilonno and cousins Nash Breen (drums) and P.J. DeCicco (guitar). Buzz for the newly minted band grew quickly, and by the summer of 2002, they found themselves in California recording their debut, "Dream to Make Believe." Released on Equal Vision Records in June 2003, the record secured the band a solid spot in the growing emo-pop scene, leading to some choice shows with bands like Taking Back Sunday, Piebald, and Thursday. In 2005, after successfully headlining their own U.S. tour, the band released "What to Do When You Are Dead," a loosely related conceptual album dealing with life and death that showcased the group's growth into a heavier and darker machine. The DVD "A Comprehensive Guide to Touring" was issued near the year's end, and Armor for Sleep next signed on to the roster over at Sire in April 2006.