Straight from Crete, Illinois, Pandora has been together since the spring of 2005. A unique collaboration between four friends, this Metal/Progressive Rock/Alternative/Whatever other labels they have been pinned as, is the work of Jessica Lubera (Lead Vocals), Chad Eustis (Bass), Dave Viktora (Lead Guitar), and Steve French (Drums). All hail from Illinois except Jessica who has found her way from Germany. The Influence of bands such as Tool, Evanescence, Korn, and System of a Down, is apparent in their work. This is a wonderful thing. These guys fu**ing rock! Combining some heavy staccato chord action with note by note leads, a bangin’ drummer, a bass player who knows what’s up, and a singer with pipes to the likes of Tori Amos or Dido, the outcome is surreal. Label these guys whatever you will as long as it begins with the word Kick and ends with Ass. It is truly a gift to be accepted in more than one genre of music and Pandora prides themselves in their work. They strive to reflect the devotion and spirit of their band.
Last night Pandora hit the stage at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. This was no kiddy concert. Armed to the nines with pro lighting and a Friday night crowd, Pandora not only set the stage for the night but also took the best performance along with them. Their music makes you move. The hard-hitting, instrumentally genius changeups are mind-blowing. And when Jessica’s voice kicks in, you melt. Rarely does a band have musical talent and a distinct performance style that is evident with every performance. Pandora does. They own the stage. Chad has no qualms about mounting monitor speakers and head banging like a champ. Each member of the band is clearly connected to each other. Everyone works together and more importantly; they all have fun doing it. This is a band that belongs on a stage and in front of an audience.
They have played a number of successful shows at large scale venues such as The Note, Elbo Room, Penny Road Pub, Mr. Kelley’s Music Box, The Rave in Milwaukee and a number of other high scale venues. In March 2006 they were in their first battle of the bands and came in 2nd place. In August 2006 they won Delilah's Local Band Extravaganza. Taking great pride in their music as well as their professionalism, they encourage listeners to “Take a listen and judge for yourself, you'll feel and hear the sounds of dedication, expression and pure vitality.” This rings true.
The band’s name comes from the Greek mythical story of Pandora’s box. There reasoning behind it is as follows, “We were all given the gift of music. The band is our way of releasing our pain and misery. Through our music we are able to bare a part of ourselves that most people never see. Our music helps us carry on, it brings us together. And it gives us…HOPE!”
Pandora is a true experience. From music to stage presence, this band is going places.
