Aphasia: "Flatline" Video

Video description: Formed in Burlingame, CA in the late nineties, the genesis of Aphasia got its start when then-seventh graders Harber and bassist buddy Jayce Basques began jamming together. After several sessions, it became immediately apparent to these two friends that collaborating with each other was like second nature. Their musical partnership cemented for life, Harber and Basques, along with their band mates, stopped playing covers -- ?We were pretty horrible for the first couple of years,? Jeff laughs, ?playing Lynyrd Skynyrd and Green Day songs?-- and began writing songs of their own. Jeff and Jayce?s collaborations, along with drummer Will Peng, yielded a crop of new songs that demonstrated a remarkable creative leap and the group found writing together to be an effortless process. As for the key to their musical kinship, Basques sees it as a comprehensive, almost instinctive understanding of each other?s complexities. "We know how we work," he says, "and what each other?s strengths are. Jeff is more about the ideas and the big picture, Will is a phenomenal multi-instrumentalist, Aaron Prim (our guitarist) gives us an edge, while I?m more about details and organization. We all have a feel for each other?s styles." Comprised of eleven original tracks, the band?s debut release, Fact & Fiction (produced by Chris Brown of Trapt), is a searing yet heartfelt song cycle. From the thought provoking "Away From You," to the straightforward "Then Again," Aphasia come across as a band with tremendous range. Elsewhere, "Push For New" arrives with a soaring chorus, while the poundingly melodic "House Of Cards" boasts a slowed down bridge that reveals a more intimate layer of the band. "?House of Cards? is really a departure from what we were used to," Jeff says. "It really required us to step away from what was comfortable and take some risks. We especially enjoy how stripped down and personal the bridge turned out." Conversely, Harber says, "?Away From You? came to us the most naturally. The song was completed in about two hours. It?s very raw and blunt." Citing bands like Foo Fighters, Deftones, Refused, Incubus, Blindside, (?And Yanni," Jeff jokes) as main influences, Aphasia?s aggressive aural attack may have its roots in the aforementioned bands, but their sound is truly unique. Or, as Jayce puts it, their sound is, "Music to throw ninja stars to." The first single, the heavy and catchy "Flatline" is also the album?s first track and fittingly so because the members of Aphasia have come to view it as the impetus not only for the album itself, but for the band?s motivation to move confidently towards realizing their own goals. "?Flatline? is a great place to start, considering it's about making your move," Harber says. ?Flatline? was the first song we wrote for the record. It became Aphasia's mission statement like ?It's go time, there's no turning back.? It was motivation to write the rest of the album so putting it first seemed natural." Although the band hails from Burlingame, a city situated just outside of San Francisco not normally regarded as fecund ground from which bands spring forth, the members of Aphasia see not being from a legendary musical city as a distinct advantage. "It actually helped out a lot not fitting into a prevalent scene or music community," Harber says. "Not that it?s bad to have a scene but a lot of time when that happens, unsigned and smaller bands start sounding a lot alike. It allowed us to do our own thing without much pressure to fit a certain mold. The local scene in our town was always very elitist. We have always written the music we want to hear." The members of Aphasia are all relatively young --19-23 years -- but the band has demonstrated a tireless dedication to their craft. And while most of their peers are now rounding out their college careers, the bandmembers are poised to begin a career of their own. "It?s always been the plan," Harber says of his band?s recent signing with DRT/Joint Venture Recordings. "We?re pretty modest about it, but we?re dedicated people." That dedication will soon find the band embarking on a tireless touring schedule, but Harber, Basques, Peng and Prim are more than up to the task after honing their live show for years "I?m excited to tour and see things and experience things," Harber says. "There are so many kids my age that haven?t been outside their state." Thematically, the band?s debut covers the terrain of strained relationships, the struggles between friends and the isolation that comes when one feels like an outsider, to name a few, and what?s so refreshing about each song is that the band seems personally invested in its subject matter. "We cover a broad spectrum," Harber says, "of interpersonal issues highlighting the role of basic human emotion. Sometimes a single event affects us so deeply and pulls us in so many directions that it might take two or three songs to cover it completely." As for what they hope fans will take from their music, Basques offers: "If someone can relate to what specifically we?re saying?because I think a lot of our subject matter is universal?and maybe see another side of it or a different aspect of something they?re going through, that would be amazing. That?s more than we?ve ever hoped for. That would be absolutely flattering."

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Raging Speedhorn: "How Much Can a Man Take"

Raging Speedhorn first came to be in August of 1998. The forming of the band was a result of the combination of the bands 'Soulcellar' and 'Box'. Guitarist Gareth Smith, drummer Frank Regan and bassist Darren Smith from 'Soulcellar' met up with guitarist Tony Loughlin, vocalist Jon Loughlin and drummer Gordon Morison from 'Box' to form Raging speedhorn. Frank Regan, formerly a drummer then changed to vocals along with Jon Loughlin to make an outstanding team. As the songs began to flow, Speedhorn recorded demos, and got a few good giggs, getting strong reviews in important magazines like Kerrang! and Metal Hammer.Their first big break came when they supported the legindary 'Ministry' at the London Astoria. From then on they never looked back, and have got stronger and stronger. Speedhorn have now recorded about 20 songs in just over a year together, and they play live regularly, with some great acts. Easily their biggest gig so far was at the Ozzfest UK, along with the likes of the mighty SlipKnoT and Amen.They have also been touring regularly, sponsored by Kerrang! and Metal Hammer. Their first demo song [selling over 800 coppies], Thumper, has since been released on Metal Hammer's December 1999 cover mount CD. Ian Camfield has also given Speedhorn plenty of airplay on his Xfm show. All this has built up to the release of their debut album, entitled 'Raging Speedhorn', which was released in the spring of 2001. After the success of their debut album, Raging Speedhorn kept up the tough schedule and started working towards a new album. Touring the country regularly, as well as trying to maintain part-time jobs meant that time to write was limmited. However, two years on from when we were first greeted by the din of Speedhorn, 'We'll Be Dead by Tomorrow' is set for release in the summer this year. 'The Hate Song' is the first single from this album, and was released on June 24, 2002. Appearing on the main stage at the Reading Festival this summer, as well as having more than one headline tour is sure to give them the publicity they deserve. And so, my friends, the story comes to an end... for now, anyway.

Rainer Maria: "Ears Ring"

Longtime musical collaborators Kyle Fischer (guitar, vocals) and William Kuehn (drums) began writing a new batch of songs in the late summer of 1995, thinking they lacked only a bassist. When they found Caithlin De Marrais (vocals, bass), they knew they had found a uniquely captivating voice to front the band as well. Fischer and Kuehn had met at all-ages shows in Madison, Wisconsin, where Kuehn was cajoled into replacing Fischer on the drums in Ezra Pound (with Matt Tennessen of Pele). Fischer switched to guitar, and the two departed together a year later in search of broader sonic horizons. Meanwhile, Fischer had met De Marrais in a University of Wisconsin poetry workshop where the two had organized extra evening sessions of the class and soon found they were the only ones attending. Here they wrote the poems that would later become songs on the band's first album. Rainer Maria's various releases began mapping their trajectory. The original demo cassette, a run of 350 now long out of print, documents the excited initial efforts of a band just 6 weeks old. Their debut self-titled EP appeared on Polyvinyl as a result of the experience of early tours, playing house shows or all ages "spaces" from Austin TX to Kent OH, even a double-wide house trailer in rural Mississippi packed with 100 melting kids. With the "New York, 1955" single, the band began experimenting with what happened when they turned the volume down. Past Worn Searching signaled the beginning of Rainer Maria as a full-time band. Recorded at the sweltering hot, now defunct Ghetto Love studios in Chicago during Summer 1997, Past Worn Searching and its stripped-down production ushered the full arrival of dueling vocals, sonic excess, and youthful exuberance. That fall, Rainer Maria toured the entire continental U.S. for the first time--more than 50 shows booked by Kuehn himself, including a west coast tour with Braid. The band?s second LP, Look Now Look Again, was released in April 1999 to the open arms of fans and critics alike. Look Now Look Again climbed to 19 on CMJ?s top 200 and spent 16 weeks on the charts. Stellar reviews and write-ups appeared in The New York Times, Alternative Press, Magnet, CMJ, and The Village Voice to name a few. Rainer Maria appeared in Spin three times in the latter half of 1999 and Look Now Look Again was named one of the magazine?s 20 best records of the year. The band would go on that year to record and release Atlantic, a three-song CDEP recorded at Pachyderm Studios (P.J. Harvey, In Utero) in August. Just days later, they band relocated to the East Coast. Rainer Maria then spent the better part of a year holed up in a converted cow barn, the previous home of Pepperidge Farm Bakery?s original dairy farmer. There, they wrote their third and most ambitious album, A Better Version of Me, which was released in January 2001. The album hit the #1 spot on CMJ and was supported by a relentless tour schedule of over 200 shows. Fall 2002 the band again returned the studio to record Long Knives Drawn, their fourth album. As a teaser, the Ears Ring EP appeared early November 2002 and was the band's first new material in over a year-and-a-half. Two months later Long Knives Drawn was released and the band embarked on a two month tour with Mates of State followed by a mini-tour in Canada, and then a tour with Denali. Next up for Rainer Maria is a three week tour with Coheed and Cambria in support of their newest release, Anyone in Love with You (Already Knows) , a DVD of their 3/11/03 Cat's Cradle show filmed by members of Bifocal Media (Braid Killing a Camera, Michigan Fest 2002) which includes a bonus audio CD featuring selected various live tracks the band has been accumulating over the years. Anyone in Love with You (Already Knows) will be released on March 9, 2004.

Of Montreal: "Disconnect the Dots"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

Of Montreal: "Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

Of Montreal: "So Begins Our Alabee"

The brainchild of singer/guitarist Kevin Barnes, Of Montreal was among the second wave of bands to emerge from the sprawling Elephant 6 collective. A native of Athens, Georgia, Barnes formed the group following a failed romance with a woman from Montreal. After several moves to various cities and states, Barnes again found himself living in Athens. Once back home, he began collaborating with bassist/vocalist Bryan Poole (Elf Power) and drummer/vocalist Derek Almstead (Circulatory System). Together they recorded the band's debut album, Cherry Peel, released by Bar/None in 1997 (and later re-issued in late 1999, remixed and with additions by the later five-piece version of the band). Whereas the majority of the Elephant 6 collective drew their influences from 60's pop icons, Barnes was taking Of Montreal in an altogether different direction. While paying homage to these groups, he also began incorporating vaudevillian elements not only into the band's music but also into their live performances. With Poole having to leave the band because of his involvement with Elf Power, Almstead switched to bass and new members Jamey Huggins and Dottie Alexander were brought on board for drum and keyboard duties, respectively. Andy Gonzales(Marshmallow Coast) guitar/piano/vocals joined shortly thereafter. The band's second album, The Bedside Drama: A Petite Tragedy found Barnes experimenting with his lyrical content. Chord changes impressed upon nearly every word as a host of characters were orchestrated throughout album's sixteen songs. Although Kevin is credited as playing most of the instruments himself, Bryan Poole and Julian Koster (Neutral Milk Hotel, The Music Tapes) made unaccredited appearances. All members were represented on the band's third full-length, The Gay Parade. Hailed by critics and fans alike (including All Music Guide, who went so far as to refer to the album as indie-pop's equivalent to Sgt. Pepper), The Gay Parade was a musical extravaganza bringing over 40 musicians (many of them vocalists in the album's choir) to the table. A concept album in every sense of the word, The Gay Parade created a carnival of absurdist characters living in a Kafkaesque world. Coquelicot Asleep In The Poppies: A Variety Of Whimsical Verse, the band's fourth album was released April 2001. The 22-track CD included a 16-page full-color booklet of artwork by David Barnes as well as a fold-out poster with lyrics. The album signified an even more ambitious undertaking than The Gay Parade right on down to the concept, arrangements, lyrics, and artwork that went into making the album. The band's fifth album Aldhils Arboretum was released the following year. 2003 proved to be an eventful year for the band. Andy left to spend more time on Marshmallow Coast and to go back to school. Kevin got married. In the fall of 2003, they recorded their next album. Kevin's wife, Nina, joined the group. Derek left the band to spend more time with Circulatory System, and, following the demise of their previous label, Of Montreal signed with Polyvinyl January 2004 Four months later, the band's sixth full-length, Satanic Panic In The Attic, was released. With Satanic, the band again reinvented their sound, this time with the inclusion of electronic and Afro beat influences. The album was an instant critical success, tearing through the radio charts, landing a video on MTV, and gathering favorable reviews left and right. Of Montreal returns this Spring with their new album The Sunlandic Twins April 12, 2005. Peppered with beats from the eighties on top of the traditional Of Montreal sound, The Sunlandic Twins will assuredly become an instant Of Montreal classic. In addition to the new album, Of Montreal is preparing to embark on one of their most ambitious national tours ever. As of February 2005, the proposed routing will keep the band on the road for seven months, spanning over a hundred shows and covering countless cities.

The Sights: "Circus"

In the summer of 1998 ? brought together by a slew of disparate-yet-alluring musical reference points ? high school friends Eddie Baranek (vocals/guitar), Mike Trombley (drums), and Mark Leahey (bass/vocals) formed The Sights. The trio began playing around their hometown of Detroit shortly thereafter, around which time Trombley, founding drummer, headed to California for what would come to be a three-year respite from the band and also the impetus for a revolving door of drummers, bassist and keyboard players. Undaunted , The Sights took to the studio and began recording their debut album, Are You Green?, at Jim Diamond?s Ghetto Recorders in Detroit . Originally released in June of 1999, Are You Green? was picked up by L.A.-based Fall of Rome Records and re-released the following year. Never big on rest, The Sights went to work on their sophomore album, Got What We Want (released in 2002). With this, the band?s freakishly precocious ability to blend frenetic garage rock, Motown and 60?s pop into something equal parts classic and catchy got them noticed. Got What We Want was released in the U.K. a year later, garnering them some very nice words from both the British press ("Got What We Want is a revelation - a treasure trove of sparky and wildly immediate songwriting." --NME) and the not-so British press ("At last - a new Detroit-garage band that comes in colors." --Rolling Stone). The Sights hit the road for a year of touring both countries, including a 10-week stint sleeping inside the group?s 1991 Ford Econoline van and stealing bagels for sustenance. In the spring of 2004, The Sights - now including relative newbie Bobby Emmett as organist/bassist and Keith Fox as drummer- caught the ear of ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, who signed them to his own Scratchie Records ( an imprint of New Line Records). And with that, the band headed back to Ghetto Recorders to record their self-titled third LP, The Sights, due out in April 2005. No small feat, the album combines the unobtrusive honesty of The Band with slivers of influence from The Sights? own personal record collections: Ike & Tina, Solomon Burke, Everly Brothers , Bob Seger, Tim Hardin and all manner of raucous songwriting. The end result is an album that?s classic, not derivative?filled with swagger and deference?and ridiculously catchy. Really.

Ep. 154: The Kitchen Sink Episode - Web Exclusive!

Outtakes from episode 154 including many horrible songs and other words for flatulence.

Copeland: "Pin Your Wings"

"Strip away all the fluff. Does the song still speak the same way when performed with just a voice and a single piano or single guitar?? This is Copeland?s test of a well written song. Lead vocalist and principal songwriter, Aaron Marsh was bred in the diverse Florida music scene where he started the band with his close friend, bassist James Likeness. During their search to finish off the line-up, Aaron found a kindred spirit in Maryland native guitarist Bryan Laurenson, with a mutual appreciation of quality pop melodies to push his writing to new levels. With a concerted effort to weave memorable melodies with insightful lyrics, the band began crafting their intelligent brand of anthemic pop songs in 2000. Atlanta producer, Matt Goldman engineered Copeland?s first release in late 2000. This split EP with glam pop band Pacifico, not only earned Copeland some music industry attention, but also their first national audience in the form of a half dozen small East Coast US tours. For that first year, the band excitedly played in any venue that would have them, for whoever wanted to listen. This deep appreciation for their supporters has stuck with them as they?ve begun to see bigger tours. In the summer of 2002, Copeland signed a record deal with So-Cal independent label The Militia Group and started making plans to focus on the band full time. The band felt it was in need of a fresh start in a new scene. They relocated to Atlanta in the fall. This location seemed more conducive to full time touring and closer to producer Matt Goldman?s studio where they would start a 2 month recording session for their debut full length album. The fruit of those two months was their acclaimed opus entitled ?Beneath Medicine Tree.? Tragically beautiful, and emotionally charged with themes of love, loss, and hope, the album delighted Copeland?s small existing following and earned the band a quickly growing audience. Copeland hit the road with a rigorous tour schedule, hopping from one tour to another with the likes of Switchfoot, The Juliana Theory, The Early November, Hopesfall, Mae, and countless others. They stayed on tour for an exhausting 15 months, playing over 400 shows in that time, but not just playing music every night. Every different city became a chance to meet a new group of kids at the show. Whether playing 4-square in front of the venue, eating dinner after the show, or hanging out at the merchandise table talking about music, Copeland was always excited to turn their fans into their friends. In December of 2003, during a short break from the road, Copeland took a week to record a covers EP to be released before they begin work on their follow-up to ?Beneath Medicine Tree.? Aaron said about the EP, ?We wanted to give our supporters something to listen to while we worked on another record. We knew it might take us a while and we didn?t want everyone to forget about us. These were all songs that we grew up listening to that we thought we could bring something new to.? The EP, entitled ?Know Nothing Stays the Same,? features Copeland?s renditions of songs by Stevie Wonder, Carly Simon, Phil Collins, Berlin, and Billy Joel. Copeland released their second full-length album, "In Motion", in March of 2005. It was produced by Matt Goldman and Aaron Marsh. Ken Andrews mixed the album. The band has been touring around the world in support of the record. This fall, they will be touring in England and all over the United States. Look for them in other continents in the coming months.

Midlake: "Young Bride"

Every once in a while, a band comes along that undoubtedly evokes something special. You don't know what it is, but you are certain that they belong set apart from amongst the crowd of musical peers in which they lay. You quickly find yourself coming to the foregone conclusion that this band's music is to be revered and will remain relevant for some time to come. Midlake has not only embodied this idealism in the hearts of many already, but with the introduction of their latest album, The Trials of Van Occupanther, they are making it a reality. Midlake formed in the small, quirky Texas town of Denton. There the five diligent musicians toiled to create a sound that was pleasing, as wellas their own. Soon enough they were discovered by Bella Union Records owner and Cocteau Twins bassist, Simon Raymonde. Simon fell deeply in love with the band, and together they began to cultivate a relationship built upon sharing Midlake?s music to the world. The band continuously worked day and night to create what would become their debut album, an album of incredible vision, talent, dedication and eccentricity: Bamnan and Slivercork. Released in June of 2004, Bamnan and Slivercork became a instant favorite for many critics and fans worldwide. After a series of touring stints both domestic and abroad, Midlake rapidly found themselves being embraced by a much larger fan base than ever before. Included in the group was actor and skateboarding legend Jason Lee (My Name is Earl, Mallrats, Almost Famous, etc.). Jason joined forces with Midlake as a huge supporter, promoter, and collaborator, directing and filming a video for their single, Balloon Maker. In June of last year, Midlake appeared with Jason on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson where they were received with an overflow of wonderful reviews. Midlake then retreated home to begin work on their next musical venture. With a desire to reach further within and accomplish something even more unique and of their own, Midlake's determined efforts produced The Trials of Van Occupanther. Tim Smith, Singer/Songwriter for Midlake says, Compared to Bamnan and Slivercork, this album uses less keyboards in favor of acoustic guitar, piano, more vocals and electric guitar. The sound is something more related to 70s folk rock but not in a gimmicky way, hopefully. I have a great affinity for those bands from the 70's, the music just seems to move me more. So when writing this album of course those sounds came out in the music. With the album available worldwide, and critics touting them as a 2006 ?Band to Watch", Midlake is set to further the momentum rapidly growing by delivering an album that is sure to merit such high expectations. Midlake are paul alexander (bass, keys), eric nichelson (keys, guitar), eric pulido (guitar, keys, bgv), tim smith (vocals, keys, guitar), mckenzie smith (drums)