For the Record: The World Record Interview

Local band World Record puts on a hell of a show at Kilby Court, and I’m fortunate enough to sit down with the band before their performance. I had the pleasure of reviewing World Record’s debut album Fighter and came prepared like I knew what would be in store for me, but much to my surprise, the band has a few tricks up their sleeve to keep me guessing. After reviewing their album, I was very excited to learn more about the band’s history and see how they perform on stage. 

Before the idea of World Record was born, front man Elliott Lucherini and bassist Dylan Baldwin were members of another project that broke up when Lucherini moved away for school. Refusing to let the music dream die, Lucherini convinced Baldwin to move to Logan, Utah to start a new four-piece project. After dropping Fighter, Baldwin and Lucherini lost their other two members and have since gained the sounds of Campbell Helton on synth and violin as well as Jajue Gibson on drums. If you’re in tune with the local music scene here in Utah, you’ll recognize Gibson from other bands such as Sunny Day Soap Opera and The Jugs. 

Each member pulls their inspirations from different sources, which is not surprising, considering Helton is a classical violinist and Gibson plays in bands spanning multiple genres. “Recently I’ve been really into the band Braid from the second wave emo movement that we’re basing a lot of our newer material on,” Baldwin says. Gibson has his hodgepodge of favorites but leans toward math rock, progressive rock and punk. Helton has been following the new-wave emo scene and pulls a lot of influence from her classical background. Lucherini attributes his tastes to Cap’n Jazz from the mid ‘90s, drawing parallels between the age they were at their start to World Record’s college cast. 

With the rotation of players, I’m letting go of all expectations for what I’m about to hear. “When we play live, we’re loud and emotional,” Lucherini says. “I’d say we fall into the second wave emo revival movement which is happening a lot on the west coast, but we play it here!” There is a clear departure from the more acoustic style of Fighter. After listening to the album a handful of times, imagine my shock when none of the songs I was familiar with landed on the setlist.

The performance from these four is jam-packed. As the second opener before headliner Sunny Day Soap Opera (Gibson was working a double on this one), the crowd is ready to go. An announcement from Lucherini that there isn’t just a hope for dancing but an expectation had some of the boys from our other opening band Disillusioned answering the call. Even during tuning breaks between songs, Baldwin lays down bass riffs to keep the crowd engaged and energized. Watching Helton alternate between synth and violin in the middle of a song shows just how practiced these folks are; they’re ready to go the distance. The chemistry onstage between Baldwin and Lucherini is apparent and can only stem from a history shared with two friends turned bandmates turned roommates. 

One thing I have to say regarding Kilby Court is it separates the wheat from the chaff in terms of technicals. Adapting in the ways you must for a shoebox venue shows the experience and knowledge of the band. Between the three bands performing, Lucherini shows he could make his vocals stand out more than any of the others on the docket. The players also had a dynamic energy range through their songs, effectively hitting highs and lows which stave off a stagnant feeling to the music. 

The inclusion of Helton’s violin adds a special touch to their new sound. Personally, I get down to a band that can highlight classical instruments like violin and cello. “It’s been fun, but I’m definitely the newest member,” Helton says. “This new wave-emo with the violin is really interesting. I look to the band The National Parks because they have a violinist, her stage presence and the way she incorporates it in a more rock setting, moving away from folk singing.” Despite their transition of adding new members, World Record is working hard to find their sound with their new elements. The band attributes much of their success to Miles Larkin from Old Star Audio, who has helped them book shows at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church and aided them in recording new songs. 

You heard it here first: World Record is actively working on their next album! Since releasing Fighter nearly a year ago, the band has seen a lot of change and growth. Lucherini says, “We have gravitated away from the acoustic stuff on Fighter and towards the louder rock sound that’s better to perform live. We’re more of a live band now than we were when we recorded Fighter.” Their first album has opened a lot of doors for the band creatively, including being the source that hooked Gibson into the drummer role for the band. “[The reception to Fighter] has been shockingly pleasant! We’ve had people invite us out to other states because of the record,” Lucherini says. The new album will feature all four of the current members. If we’re lucky, we can expect to see announcements this fall regarding the release and some out-of-state shows!

Be sure to keep your eyes on @world_record_band for news on upcoming releases, and if you want to catch the next local live performance from World Record, you can see them at Temple of Friends on July 19! —Damien Poelman

Read more from Damien Poelman:
Local Review: A Deeper Heaven — High
Local Review: Mended Hearts Club — Nobody’s Favorite

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