A lot of “isms” threaten to tear modern society apart at the seams: sexism, racism, extremism, radicalism, terrorism and more. In such an era of decay (moral, societal and otherwise), perhaps an apocalypse wouldn’t be such a bad idea – at least that’s how Andre Mistier sees it. The charismatic lead singer and songwriter for the New York-based quartet ism describes his band’s potent blend of rock and electronica as “music for the party at the end of the world.” After all, not all “isms” are bad: Altruism, activism and heroism could help make the next world a better place, and there’s no reason we can’t start practicing them right now.

Urgency, ism’s sophomore album on STM Records, poses unflinching questions about the human condition in songs equally as bold in construction. Smart, melodic and hypnotic, Urgency builds on the solid foundation of 2006’s critically acclaimed Monkey Underneath with 14 tracks produced by Joe Blaney (The Clash, Tom Waits, Prince).

Along with Mistier on guitar, ism’s other skilled members are the passionate Mike Higgins on drums, fret master Gerard Toriello on lead guitar, and effects wizard Leigh Battle on bass. Behind the scenes, legendary A&R guru Michael Caplan served as patriarch of the project, assembling an impressive production team that shaped the final recording.

So, if you would like to win one of these great new CDs AUTOGRAPHED by the band, just answer this easy question about the release: How many instrumental pieces are one this new album?!

Send us your answers and if you're correct you'll be in the running to win one of these wonderful new AUTOGRAPHED CDs! Just send us an e:mail here before August 1st with your answer and the subject title CONTEST: ISM CDs to: exclusivemagazine@flash.net

Audio stream of the first single, “Sacred Cows”

www.myspace.com/ism