The Corrections are a tight quintet that balances the raucous energy of rock ‘n’ roll with a firm belief in the power of pop melody. With an acclaimed EP under its belt and a new album on the way, the Best New Original Band at the 2005 Buffalo Music Awards is still evolving its sound.

The band was formed by vocalist/guitarist Guillermo Izquierdo and bassist Tim Mroz after the breakup of Izquierdo’s former band, Original Skin. The two had met back in 1999 when Izquierdo had joined The Contortionists, a band which he predominantly played lead guitar.  

Having been mostly known as being a highly talented bass player with bands like Plaster Sandals, The Contortionists and The Maria Sebastian Band, Mroz was eager to play a more active role in the songwriting. Equally eager for a fresh approach, Izquierdo was immediately excited about Mroz’s ideas and direction.

"Having known Tim a long time, I knew that we had a lot in common when it came to our musical tastes,” Izquierdo says. “But when we sat down for the first time to start writing, I was really surprised at how well he could write catchy melodies and arrange songs."

After establishing a relatively clear vision, they recruited Rob Pacillo (keyboards, vocals), Mark Ricci (guitars) and finally Erik Hallmark (drums). Despite their different musical backgrounds, they were very receptive to what Izquierdo and Mroz presented to them and now play an active role in establishing The Corrections’ cohesive sound.

The band hit the ground running in late 2004 and within months had collected a devout fanbase that included a tribute site, street team, and countless comparisons to the likes of Belle & Sebastian, Elvis Costello, Lloyd Cole and Crowded House. They even made admirers of some of their influences, such as The Push Stars’ Chris Trapper. “The Corrections play the kind of versatile pop music that most bands wouldn’t even attempt these days,” says Trapper. “They approach their craft with a buoyant charm and crisp clarity that denies categorization. It is with melody and rhythmic freshness that they will draw you in, and observation and intelligence that might make you a fan for years.”

The Push Stars keyboardist Scott Leslie first came across The Corrections when he read a Buffalo News interview that found Izquierdo citing Trapper and The Push Stars as an influence. He has since seen and sat in with the band on numerous occasions. “The Corrections offer their fans smart, well-crafted pop songs which are delivered with stunning technique and musicianship,” Leslie says. “Each member plays selflessly, finding the sonic space where they’re needed, and perform with a passion and fervor more suited for a punk band.”

Rob Pacillo, who’s been happy to share his keys and voice at every occasion, brings home Leslie’s claim of the band’s selflessness, and shares perhaps a little too much information about their passion. “There's a fantastic vibe in the band, and our newer songs are really representative of the great musical relationship we've established,” Pacillo says. “We also try to come up with fun ways to express ourselves live. For example, at the next show, Tim will don his body suit and dance the Charleston while playing an 8-finger bass solo.”

That lack of pretension serves them well. While they may not take themselves too seriously, they’re not messing around when it comes to powerful melodies and insightful lyrics. And with a solid collection of awards and admirers before they’ve even released a full album, it’s safe to say that the Corrections are just getting warmed up.