Interview With Take It Or Leave It
- Suzy King
- Jul 18
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 20
Tell us about your latest release
Our latest release is Tunnel Vision, which dropped in November 2024. It’s a six-song
debut that represents our first real statement as a band. Getting it finished and out there
felt like taking off the training wheels and finally getting moving.
What was the recording process like? Was it in a studio or do you do it all
yourselves?
We split the responsibilities up. So we record everything ourselves in Craig’s basement
using Mario’s gear. Once the sessions are solid, we send everything over to Anthony at
Small Room Studio, who mixes and masters the tracks with us to get the right final sound.
It gives us the freedom to create on our own time, but with a professional polish at the end.
How do you guys write the songs?
Most songs start with a riff, a voice memo, or just someone noodling around until
something clicks. Once we have a basic idea, we build the structure as a group and shape the full song. We also like to test new tracks live before we record them. Therapy, our next single, has already changed a lot because of the way people have reacted to it at shows.
That kind of feedback helps shape the final version more than people probably realize.
What were your main influences while writing?
We pull from a wide range of punk rock, especially the bands that shaped our youth. Blink-182, Rancid, The Offspring, NOFX, Ramones, and Descendents are all huge for us. They remind us how to balance raw energy with melody and meaning. We also get inspiration from outside of punk, artists like Foo Fighters, The Beatles, and Queens of the Stone Age definitely push our ideas further. And honestly, anything that’s current, viral, or bending genre rules grabs our attention. We like to keep a finger on the pulse.
What is your favourite song on the new release and why?
Run is our favorite track on Tunnel Vision. It opens the EP with everything we love, a big
riff, a chorus that sticks, and a heavy finish that hits hard live. A close second would be
Some Things Never Change, which is being featured by Rock Rage Radio on their
Summer Sampler at festivals across the U.S. Those two tracks really get us moving on
stage every time we play them.
How did you come up with the name of the release?
Tunnel Vision came from a conversation we had about needing to slow down and focus. At first, we were bouncing in too many directions, rushing songs just to get them done. Once we learned to really dial in on one piece at a time and make sure it felt right, everything started to take shape. The name became a reminder of what happens when you block out the noise and lock in.
How did the band get together?
Craig and Mario met through one of Mario’s coworkers who used to play with Craig in
another project. That connection led to a jam session, and it immediately felt like
something worth building on. They soon brought in Devon, who Mario played with over a decade ago in a similar style band. And in the summer 2025, they brought Nick into the fold on guitar. He and Mario had known each other since just before the band officially came together, so it felt like a natural fit.
How did you come up with the name for the band?
The name Take It Or Leave It came out of one of those classic group debates where nothing was sticking. Every suggestion was met with “Eh, I could take it or leave it,” and after a while, that became the name. It fit the attitude. No fluff, no filters. Just songs we
believe in and leave up to the listener. That also led to the nickname Pasta Rock. TIOLI
sounds like ravioli, and the name stuck. It’s more than just a rhyme, it’s a vibe.
Have you got any gigs or a tour coming up where people can hear the songs live?
We are always announcing shows, both in person and online. We have a few more lined up for 2025 so if you haven’t seen us yet, what are you waiting for!? We know not
everybody can live close enough to see us, so we love to stream live from our practice
space just for you guys! So follow us and you’ll be able to find a gig that works for you!
What are your plans for the next few months?
We’re deep in the writing process for our second full release which we hope to release in the early part of 2026. More shows will be announced soon, we’ve already teased one this fall. We have some plans for a music video or two. Things feel like they’re clicking into place right now and we’re just getting started.
Official Bio
Take It Or Leave It is a punk rock band from Rockland County, NY that blends raw punk
energy with pop punk hooks, pulling from influences like Rancid, Alkaline Trio, The
Offspring, Blink-182, and NOFX. Their songs are melodic and emotional, but still rowdy
enough to throw a shoulder. They jokingly call their style “Pasta Rock” as a nod to how
their name abbreviation (TIOLI) sounds like ravioli. It’s comfort food for your ears. Music
that hits hard, sticks with you, and feels like home.
Their debut EP Tunnel Vision dropped in November 2024. Self-recorded and later mixed
and mastered by Anthony Bilancia at Small Room Studio, the release opens with the high-
energy single “Run” and features a punked-up take on the Gin Blossoms classic “Hey
Jealousy.” The name Tunnel Vision is a nod to the opening line of the record as well as a
reminder to keep focused but stay aware of your surroundings.
Known for their high-energy shows and spontaneous moments, Take It Or Leave It thrives
on live performance. Whether you’re catching them at a local venue or one of their
occasional YouTube live streams, every show brings something a little different.
Like the name says, take it or leave it. They’re not going anywhere, so come along for the
ride or get out of their way.
Band Members
Craig Chalfin – Bass, Vocals
Mario Frascone – Guitar, Manager
Devon Beuschel – Drums
Nick Correa – Guitar
Link Tree
Socials
Music Links
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/takeitorleaveit-872042877
Comments