Despite our stranglehold on the current crop of up and coming hardcore/metal bands, we here at Tribunal Records do have a fondness for "the rock," which would be evident of such popular releases by AMAZING DEVICE, BRAND NEW DISASTER and THE UNDERWATER already under our belts. Rolling into 2006 we have decided to bring the music community another group of new faces. Ohio's NEW REPUBLIC is our next bet for major label contention. The Julca brothers, Jonathan (guitar/vocals) and David (vocals/guitar/piano), formed the band after moving from their native country of Panama in 1996 (One track on Libertad , "La Verdad" was recorded in their native language). NEW REPUBLIC began in January of 2005 after the band played together under the name THE-PITS for over 7 years. They decided a change was needed and NEW REPUBLIC was born. Their debut Tribunal Records release, Libertad was recorded with famed producer Matt Hyde (SUM 41, NO DOUBT & SLAYER) and certainly showcases the band's songwriting strengths and ability to deliver a solid pop hook. The sounds found within Libertad are a subconscious image of the band's influences, which are derived from broad musical styles such as latin, rock, synth pop and hip-hop. Having already toured the country with the likes of DEAD POETIC, HE IS LEGEND, TERMINAL, THE RECEIVING END OF SIRENS, FOREVER CHANGED and sharing stages with ACCEPTANCE, COPELAND, FEAR BEFORE THE MARCH OF FLAMES and mewithoutyou; NEW REPUBLIC is a band that refuses to be pigeon-holed into only one standard genre of music. They resist any compromise which could harm the band's individuality, and this resistant struggle will surely serve to set them apart from the conformist pack. Libertad marks a new beginning for a group of musicians who will without a doubt push the envelope of rock to new limits for years to come.