“The US prog and art rock scene is bursting with new life, new bands. The Addiction Dream is one of the more interesting new bands. I would put them in the art rock category. Probably more art rock than prog rock. They claim Pink Floyd and Radiohead as their main inspirations. I compare them with Gazpacho and Radiohead. The sound and music is pretty understated and not overwhelming. But it is pretty easy to hear that there is something really substantial in their keyboards, guitars, bass and drums based sound. That and the very Gazpacho similar vocals.

There is no really great songs here and they have a couple of miles left to walk before they reach the same level as Gazpacho which I regard as the masters of this end of the art rock scene. But this is still a very good album which cannot fail to impress the listener. This band has a bit of an x-factor too. The undefined which makes me believe this is a band which may become one of the greats in the scene. This is a very good album I recommend. I have added this band to my talents list and I believe this band may deliver a masterpiece in not so distant future.” – Torodd Fuglesteg – The Sound of Fighting Cats

“Music that draws you in and keeps you there. A lot of it is slow tempoed or subtle on the verge of jazzy, but it is all quite pleasant and emotional–especially the floating keyboard work and acrobatic yet sensitive vocals. Reminds me a bit of a cross between”Rabbit”-era THE TEA CLUB and last year’s marvelous newcomer, AUTUMN CHORUS. The music’s subtleties are so mystifying and magical. I don’t usually like so much electric piano work, but this one works. Kudos for creating such sensitive, beautiful, emotional music!

Favorite songs: the eery, jazzy, and almost liturgical “Insatiable” (5:31) (8/10) and “Pious Greedy Few” (3:55) (8/10), my favorite, “The Conservative” (7:15) (9/10), “Dark Skies” (6:09) (8/10), “Flying” (5:38) (9/10), and “Survivor” (7:23) (8/10).

4 stars for the fact that the songs eventually begin to blend, sound a bit monochromatic. Still, Jason O’Neill-Butler has an awesome voice, and he’s singing over some awesome songs/sounds. I’m not sure which I like better: this one or I AND THOU’s Speak. Both have great vocals and and are keyboard-driven. Check them out and decide for yourself.” – W.A. Fisher

Essence was ranked # 3 on Andy Read’s Radio Show on DPRP. Click on image to go to his blog. Click here to listen to a podcast of the show.

Thanks Andy for all your support!

Mary Campbell from Underdog Prog has included us in her latest radio show at The Dividing Line. Your awesome Mary!! Go check out the show by clicking the image below.

La primera cosa que sorprende de este disco, antes de entrar en detalles estilísticos, es lo bien producido-mezclado-arreglado que está, lo bien que suena vaya… The Addiction Dream son una banda americana de Oregon que se dedican a la pintura musical, porque la verdad es que pocas veces había experimentado de una forma tan nítida la sensación de estar contemplando escenarios naturales a través de una ventana musical. El estilo y las formas están creadas para envolver al oyente , para atraparlo en una tela de araña sonora y no dejarlo escapar hasta el final. No estamos hablando de un disco de prog-rock tal y como lo entendemos, el estilo de estos artistas se acerca más hacia el post-pop, art-rock… Los aficionados a las propuestas musicales no tan rockeras y aquellos que disfrutan con las texturas ambientales de Radiohead o los últimos discos de los grandesTalk Talk encontraran en este Essence una más que interesante propuesta.

La banda es un trio formado por Jake Savage (Piano, sintetizadores, voces), Paul Hardie (batería), Jason O’Neill-Butler (guitarra, voz).

Las nueve composiciones del disco pivotan sobre las voz melancólica de Jason O’Neil-Butler, quizás el elemento más destacado y que hace de guía al resto de instrumentación.  Los teclados de Jake Savage son la segunda clave de su éxito, a veces más punzantes como en la pieza que abre el disco “Magic” y a veces más clásico como en la hipnótica “Pious Greedy Few” o dando forma a piezas tan excelentes como “The Conservative”. La potencia de la guitarra da un  impulso certero en ciertos momentos como “Dark Skies” , la maravillosa “Essence” o la composición más potente del disco “Survivor”. Un disco fantástico para los que buscan el ambiente perfecto para hacer volar la imaginación, para gente que disfrutan también escuchando música con los ojos cerrados. – Jordi Costa – sinfomusic.net

Certains groupes sont parfois tellement influencés par leurs prédécesseurs qu’ils en viennent à reproduire plus ou moins consciemment les mêmes schémas musicaux sans arriver à se démarquer de la production moyenne. D’autres, conscients de l’écueil, commettent l’erreur de tellement chercher l’originalité qu’ils en deviennent abscons et ennuyeux ou trop artificiels. Mais quelquefois, certains semblent touchés par la grâce, imposant leur style avec naturel, donnant l’impression, trop rare à l’auditeur averti, de découvrir un nouvel univers musical. The Addiction Dream appartient indubitablement à cette dernière catégorie.

Preuve de sa singularité, il est difficile de ranger sa musique dans une catégorie bien définie. On navigue entre progressif soft, chansons, passages atmosphériques et touches expérimentales, le tout savamment mixé. De même, apparenter The Addiction Dream à un groupe existant n’est pas aisé. Imaginez un mélange de King Crimson ascendant classique, de Coldplay, de Simon Says et de Talk Talk et vous aurez une vague idée du résultat. Encore qu’aucune influence ne ressorte clairement des neuf magnifiques chansons que contient l’album. Il s’agit plus d’impressions fugaces qui s’accrochent au détour d’un accord, laissant une impression rémanente alors que la mélodie vous a déjà emmené vers d’autres horizons.

Tout l’art de The Addiction Dream réside dans cette faculté de transporter l’auditeur sans artifice, sans effet tape-à-l’œil, uniquement par l’intelligence de ses compositions et la qualité de son interprétation. Les musiciens ne jouent pas les showmen avides de démontrer leur virtuosité à grands coups de riffs assassins ou de solos techniques. Il est parfois bien plus difficile d’exécuter des trames qui ne serviront que de fond sonore, que de dégringoler à toute vitesse quelques notes plus impressionnantes que réellement délicates à jouer. Ici, les instruments créent avant tout des textures, des atmosphères en brodant de délicats motifs qui s’enroulent les uns autour des autres. Guitares, claviers et percussions, parfois agrémentés de violon et violoncelle, tissent ainsi leurs toiles arachnéennes, se séparant pour mieux se rejoindre, la clarté de la prise de son évitant de transformer leurs interventions en magma sonore. L’ensemble ne sombre jamais dans la mièvrerie ou l’intimisme intransigeant, sachant alterner tempos langoureux et plus enlevés. Par ailleurs, The Addiction Dream sait jouer sur toute la gamme des nuances, adoucissant ou durcissant à propos ses mélodies. Enfin, des samples (voix, pépiements d’oiseaux, cloches tibétaines, vols d’hélicoptère) sont astucieusement saupoudrés au fil des titres.

Le groupe fait preuve d’une qualité d’écriture remarquable. Les mélodies sont originales, sophistiquées sans être compliquées, simples sans être linéaires. Elles ont un côté instinctif qui les rendent immédiatement intelligibles tout en gardant une part de mystère qui augure du plaisir de futures découvertes. Sobre, raffinée, délicate, la musique évolue sans à-coup grâce à des transitions intelligentes et une cohérence entre les différents thèmes. Enfin, comment passer sous silence l’excellence des vocaux ? Jason O’Neill-Butler a un timbre sensuel, fragile, qui s’élève avec légèreté dans les aigus. Sinueux, intrusif, sensible, le chant résonne de ses échos désenchantés mais sans pathos, sans jamais sur-jouer. Les harmonies qui l’accompagnent sont à sa hauteur, aussi réjouissantes à l’unisson qu’à la tierce ou en contre-chant.

“Essence” est un disque magique, d’une rare finesse, où chaque écoute permet de découvrir de nouveaux détails, ici un contretemps, là un break, un crescendo, un chorus. Les fées de l’inspiration se sont penchées sur le berceau de The Addiction Dream. Sophistication abordable, immédiateté des mélodies, transparence des chants, c’est beau ! Non, c’est magnifique ! – musicwaves.fr

Comme vous le savez, en tant que grand amateur de progressif, je privilégie la nouveauté. Ainsi, dans mon futur Top 20 de fin d’année vous découvrirez de nombreux nouveaux groupes qui en sont donc à leurs premiers ébats ou presque. C’est le cas de THE ADDICTION DREAM. On ne peut pas dire que ce groupe présente quelque chose de réellement innovant, néanmoins, il est difficile de le ranger dans un sous-style, ce qui est un piège pour le chroniqueur et le lecteur, mais qui quelque part est annonciateur d’un bon point au niveau des futures écoutes.
THE ADDICTION DREAM se présente lui-même comme un trio basé sur les synthés. Définition à vrai dire assez fausse qui risque, à tort, de repousser les oreilles accompagnant les yeux scrutant cette chronique. Elle ne convient qu’à “Promise” un brin plus commerciale bien que dépouillée et tout aussi belle, avec une rythmique électronique heureusement simple et discrète. Une vraie batterie accompagne les autres plages (notamment l’envoutant “Flying”) et point d’artificiel ni d’artifice. THE ADDICTION DREAM ne joue pourtant pas la carte du tout ou presque acoustique ou atmosphérique. Les arrangements sont simples, délicats et essentiels.
À vrai dire, ce qui “saute aux pavillons” c’est avant tout, et jusqu’à la fin de l’album, le timbre et l’interprétation de Jason O’NEILL-BUTLER qui justifient à eux seul l’acquisition du disque. Il rappellera sans conteste Ross JENNINGS (chanteur de HAKEN) et par voie de conséquence on comparera également THE ADDICTION DREAM à ce qui est l’une des plus fabuleuses découvertes de ces dernières années.
Mais disons le tout de suite, les chansons de THE ADDICTION DREAM utilisent des structures plus simples et d’ailleurs elles sont relativement courtes (5’30 en moyenne pour un écart de 4 à 7’30). De plus et surtout, point de hard ou de heavy. Excepté le premier morceau, un poil plus énergique, mais néanmoins “Magic” comme le précise son nom, et “Survivor” par à-coups, ce disque n’est que douceur et volupté. Il met en valeur à merveille le talent de Jason qui souvent est à pleurer (“Insatiable”, “The conservative”) et dont nous n’avons “jamais assez”. Mais le touché et les sons du claviériste, de même vous “tuent doucement”.
THE ADDICTION DREAM nous offre un premier album sans défaut et un voyage suave d’un peu moins d’une heure au pays du romantisme et de la tendresse. Romantisme, présent d’ailleurs de manière absolue puisque le morceau éponyme et la délicieuse pochette sont inspirés des très beaux, film de Tom TYKWER avec Dustin HOFFMAN et roman de Patrick SÜSKIND, “Le Parfum” (qu’évidemment je vous conseille). Pour revenir aux voix, il ne faut pas oublier Jack SAVAGE, également donc claviériste du groupe, qui soutient au diapason son compère. Quels accords de voix magiques (“Dark Skies”) qui peuvent évoquer Adrian BELEW dans des chansons comme “Matte Kudasai”.
Que dire d’autre si ce n’est vous inciter à vous laisser enivrer par les senteurs de sa beauté loin des tumultes de la vie moderne.    -  Señor Valasco – progressivearea.com

 

Diese Kritik war eine Weile in der Mache, weil Gitarrist und Sänger Jason keine Zeit für ein Interview fand, letztlich aber zumindest die Songs seiner mit „Dream Essence“ debütierenden Band kurz kommentiert. THE ADDICTION DREAM gehören zur bunten Musikszene Portlands und lassen sich stilistisch wie für die Stadt im US-Bundestaat Oregan gewohnt schwerlich fassen.Nennen wir es Alternative Prog und blenden dabei alle damit verbundenen Klischees aus … obwohl: Innerlichkeit ist dem Trio ebenfalls ein Anliegen, etwa gleich im Opener. Verfremdeter, mehrstimmiger Gesang prägt das verträumte „Magic“, das zu Synth-Bass ganz sachte bleibt und genauso wie der Beinahe-A-Capella „Flying“ von verlorener kindlicher Unschuld kündet. „Insatiable“, eingeleitet von Sprachsamples, kommt hingegen ohne Rhythmusgruppe aus. Jason singt lakonisch über Seltbsthass und Depressionen. Dann schwellen Streichersounds an, und zartes Schlagzeugspiel kommt hinzu. Am Ende kommt der Frontmann zu dem Schluss, das Ego sei der größte Feind des Menschen – und erstmals werden THE ADDICTION DREAM quirlig virtuos, was indes nur kurz währt.

„Pious Greedy Few“ nämlich baut von Grund auf neu. Es geht um Gen-Food und mutmaßliche Effekte auf unsere Gesellschaft, weshalb die Band floydig düster klingt. Jason singspricht einstweilen wie ein Roboter und schwingt sich am Ende in dramatische Höhen. Diese behält er in „The Conservative“ bei, was tatsächlich an die Spätwerke von THE GATHERING mit Anneke erinnert, denn THE ADDICTION DREAM versprühen ein ähnlich trippiges Flair, mal warm und mal kalt. Hier verarbeitet man das Los eines schizophrenen Obachlosen mit Paranoia und Visionen von Engeln, wozu dann auch „Dark Skies“ passt, ein interessanter Blickwinkel auf einen mutmaßlichen Weltuntergang von einem Vater, der an das Los seiner jungen Kinder denkt. Das Stück beschränkt sich weitgehend auf Piano und Gesang, wird jedoch am Ende lebhafter, wobei vor allem Drums und Bass bestechen.

Über „Promise“ möchte Jason nichts preisgeben; rein musikalisch sind THE ADDICTION DREAM hier sehr nahe an RADIOHEADS elektronisch androgynen Experimenten, krönen das Ganze aber mit einer traumhaft schönen Hookline. Wem das alles zu leutselig ist, der bekommt mit „Essence“ eine Bearbeitung des Süskind-Romans „Das Parfum“, die entsprechend abgründig ausfällt, und auch „Survivor“, das sich um Tsunami-Desaster in Asien dreht, kracht zumindest am Ende verhalten.

Insgesamt klingen THE ADDICTION DREAM ungemein herzlich, mitunter vielleicht zu tiefsinnig und gefühlsduselig, dafür zu wenig rockig – aber das ist laut Jason auch nicht ihr Anliegen.

FAZIT: Für Fans von Leisetreter-Mucke, die nicht Shoegaze heißt, sind THE ADDICTION DREAM eine heiße Empfehlung – Dreh- und Angelpunkt Gesang, dynamische Keyboard-Arrangements und -Sounds bei gleichzeitig proggigen Songstrukturen. Ist zeitlos, geht immer.

Andreas Schiffmann – www.musikreviews.de

Thanks to Adam Drozdzik over at Polish Radio Pik our music is finding it’s way to Poland!

Our music is reaching our northern brothers in Quebec now thanks to LA FILIÈRE PROGRESSIVE.

Thanks to Mike Klemmer over at Progulus Radio we are getting some more airtime. Head on over to Progulus and take a listen to us and other great bands being streamed online.

“Essence gets some more airplay as we look back at some of the best releases of the year so far. ” – Andy Read

Thank you Andy Read for all the support and the wonderful review!!

Click banner below to listen to the show!

This is an amazing debut album from a synth-based progressive rock trio from Portland, Oregon. It will be a leading contender for both Album Of The Year and Newcomer of the Year for anyone who makes the effort to get their hands on a copy.

A bold statement? Well take a listen for yourselves to the whole album from the link above and if you’ve the slightest penchant for ambient, dynamic, heavily-grooved, modern progressive rock dominated by impassioned, haunting vocals which showcases superb song-writing craftsmanship then Essence is both an Addiction and a musical Dream come true.

Unusually for me it was a case of love at first listen. The nine songs have a delightful immediacy but a compositional sophistication that will reward and sustain many years of listening. An amazing first achievement, for a young trio of musicians. In places you can hear influences from Porcupine Tree, Blackfield, Radiohead, Aeon Spoke, latter-day Opeth, the ambient passages of Floyd, and the lighter moments of Green Carnation or Thence. There’s a bit of gospel, a lot of jazz fusion texture, especially in the bass and drumming, and I even wrote down Simon And Garfunkel for some of the vocal passages.

As a whole, the biggest nods would go to Talk Talk for the synths, rhythms and vocals, and Norway’s Gazpacho for the haunting melancholy and simplistic complexity of the arrangements. You could throw in a bit of The Tea Club too. Whilst musically it is at the other end of the progressive spectrum from my favourite album from 2011, Bilateral from Leprous, it has the same underlying principal. Take a clear set of known ingredients and create an end product that is distinctly unlike anything else you’ve ever heard before.

Highlights are really hard to select as they change with each listen. The groove-laden melancholy of Magic provides a great opening. Insatiable sits around layers of haunted vocals but with a clever up-tempo synth passage at the end. It’s those clever deviations from the expected that makes this album such a delight.

Pious Greedy Few shifts through four phases tied together by more soulful harmonies. The wonderful piano opening to The Conservative is just one of Jake Savage’s gifted contributions.

The one song I keep going back to is Dark Skies. Built upon a delightful Moog Prodigy groove, this is probably as up-tempo as Addiction Dream get, but still with melancholy driving the blood through its core. The album closes with Survivor. The most `progressive’ offering, its busy drums and calm vocals offer a perfect contrast.

The production is sparkling, helped by the uncluttered arrangements that a trio generally brings to the studio. There are guitars, but they’re almost exclusively used to add texture, sitting back in the mix. The more powerful sections are accomplished through the drumming of Paul Hardie, whom is highly impressive and inventive in his playing throughout.

If you don’t like vocals which pull you in emotionally, then you’d better steer clear of The Addiction Dream. Jason O’Neill-Butler has a voice of quite remarkable depth and fragility. The harmonies with pianist Jake Savage are simply beautiful.

The band has produced a vinyl and a CD version of the album. The CD comes in a simple cardboard sleeve with lyrics available from the band’s Bandcamp page. So purists may prefer the vinyl or the download for convenience? (The vinyl comes with a digital download code inside, as there was only had enough minutes for eight of the songs, so the band had to leave off Essence).

The only track I don’t like is Promise. Its sampled drum beat, parpy synths and barber-shop-esque styling to the vocals certainly gives it a very different sound. It is just not one that I like. Compared to the sophistication elsewhere this is a bit too Stars On 45 for me.  However, in the way that I disliked the cookie monster-dominated Waste Of Air on last year’s Bilateral album from Leprous, I find here that Promise also strengthens this album. For me it’s a flaw, an annoyance but I like the fact that it is there. It shows a band not happy to stay within safe or consistent boxes.

I’m certainly not going to mark the album down for it. In fact I’m not going to mark this album down in any way. In Essence this is simply one of the most impressive debut albums I have ever had the pleasure of listening to.

Conclusion: 10 out of 10

ANDY READ

Phil Meek is adding us to his show tonight on Radio Caroline.

If you have never heard of this radio station, I suggest you go to their website and read the fascinating story of it’s creation and the rocky road to present day from it’s inception in 1964 as the one of the early radio stations on a boat at sea.

Our album “Essence” was nominated by the International Jury in the category of Best Debut Album Record by Prog Awards.

Two tracks from our debut release “Essence” have been featured by Andy Read of DPRP Radio via Stroud FM in the UK.

Listen to the recording of this radio click above image.

Thank you Andy for including us in your wonderful show!

This review was translated from Greek by a friend.

“This is the debut album of the trio The Addiction Dream from Portland. No matter how hard someone tries, it is impossible (or unlikely) to classify this album with any certainty. The reason is, that without reinventing the wheel, The Addiction Dream manages ( with characteristic ease which is not expected on a first album ) to have a completely personal approach. As hard as it is today, this album stands at a very high artistic level and in terms of inspiration; it perfectly marries sparseness and expressive pluralism, offering careful, mature, melodic and a highly atmospheric effect that unfolds slowly and enjoyably. Open your ears and your minds to The Addiction Dream! ” -De Kay – Rocking.gr

 ”Portland’s The Addiction Dream offers a very nice debut, with thought provoking lyrics that make you look inside rather than towards outer space and a mix of styles that unashamedly basks in the present (a la Radiohead and Muse) while nodding at the past (is anyone else hearing some Pink Floyd in there?). Generally speaking I’m not a big fan of the style, but honestly these guys give you a pretty good time when you start spinning this thing. Essence has a particular dreamy and melancholy vibe. There’s an uncanny and ominous bit hanging around, like an old storage room that only gets opened for a peek in because you just feel slightly uncomfortable venturing in. It’s somber, in a good way and it is catchy without being stupid. I think we’ll be seeing good things from these guys in the future. Best of luck to them.”

Progulator

To everyone who didn’t make our last show, here is our new song called “The Raven” which is inspired by The Brothers Grimm short tale of the same name.

Jason on Rhodes/Vocals

Jake on the ( very heavy )Yamaha CP-60/ Roland Jupiter/ Moog Protegy and backround vocals.

Paul on Drums

Thanks to everyone who came out! We really felt your support and enthusiasm. It’s always great to have a crowd full of friends! Thank you Sucker for Lights and New Century Schoolbook for making a wonderful evening of music with us! Let’s do it again.

Thanks Shaina for your amazing merch table magic – you’re a Diva! Also, thanks for being our illuminating photographer!

“What a wonderful album. There was a time when I questioned myself as to why I like the particular types of music I do… what a tremendous waste of time. You should just listen to as much as you can and try to appreciate the art. Sometimes it takes multiple listens for me to appreciate a work, sometimes the attraction is immediate and powerful. Such was the case with this. The first thing that catches my ear is that it is interesting music. Different form what practically everybody else is doing. If you don’t like vocals, steer clear. But if you appreciate distinctive voices and unusual melody, dig in. There is subtlety in this music. If I were asked who they sound like… well they have their own sound, but I am reminded of Terraced Garden from the past and Glass Kites from the present at times. Four stars from me on this one. Take a moment and check this out, it’s worth it. And if it doesn’t appeal to you, revisit it later when your mood changes. It may be subtle, it may seem quiet, but if you rate your music by how it can influence how you feel- listen. It is a powerful album.”

Progarchives

Typically I’ll listen to an album weeks or months before writing about it but after a few spins at work today I could not resist getting the ball rolling on this fine debut. The title above refers to the fact that during my first play, I almost fell off my chair at how much some of the vocals and even certain bits of playing and mood reminded me of my favorite Northeast American band, the mighty Tea Club. Far across the country the Portland based trio The Addiction Dream note Floyd and Radiohead as influences but if you’re like me you may find an uncanny similarity to the mellower side of Rabbit-era Tea Club. While I’m guessing they’ve never heard of each other, I don’t think I’ll be the last prog rock writer to mention this. Of course there are significant differences as well but I had to mention my initial experience.

“Essence” is quite simply a fantastic and impressive debut with songs that pull you in emotionally and hold your interest. Haunting and somewhat fragile vocals very much in the McGowan brother style are the first thing you’ll notice, though Jason O’Neill-Butler does not go into vocal overdrive as often, he’s a tad more reserved. I’m not sure if he is self-harmonizing or doing so with keyboardist Jacob Savage, or both, but whatever the case the results are just beautiful. Beyond the great vocals the two create spellbinding avenues on keys and guitar, I love all the piano that Savage employs. Last but by no means least is the drumming of Paul Hardie who, and sorry to repeat myself, but more than once reminded me of Kyle Minnick. I’ll stop now.

They show talent beyond their years here with thoughtful songwriting and lots of little extras that make it special. Plenty of mood and beauty come courtesy of occasional strings from Owen Hofmann-Smith and Sharon Cannon. They use some cool environmental sounds and samples to great effect on several songs. The opening of “Insatiable” is some clip of a scientist talking about how loneliness is one of the only things medicine can’t help us deal with, it works so well with the music that follows, melancholic yes yet oddly comforting at the same time. It continues into “Conservative” and “Dark Skies” with this spookily beautiful music and singing contrasting the fairly depressing yet poetic lyrics. The wind chimes were a great transition, loved that! The closer “Survivor” was another gem with alternating piano runs and guitar harmonics setting off the harmonies, eventually some raucous guitar crunching in as the drums hold things together. Great development here and some cool, odd synths in the background as well.

Rich, occasionally heavy but more often subtle, lovely yet turbulent, “Essence” is an album that I believe will thrill many fans of crossover prog and indie rock. An authentic and intimate sound which eclipses most of those popular, mechanical sounding bands that put me to sleep. I’m impressed.

Progarchives

Our new release “Essence” is being featured at Progstreaming this month of May!

Go and take a peek! here

Thank you Markwin for choosing our album!

Come out and join us!        We begin the show at  8:30 pm sharp!

Joining us on the bill are Sucker for Lights and New Century Schoolbook!

Our full length album “Essence” is now available on Vinyl. Because of the time constraints of the media, we had to leave out one song. Funny enough it happens to be the title song to the album. For those discerning ears out there, you won’t want to miss out on the lush sonic qualities inherent in Vinyl. Even if you never get a chance to listen to the record, the album jacket would make a nice addition to any art collection, thanks to Seattle artist Ego.

Price $15.00 (from us at a show) 16.97 online through CD Baby.

You can buy these from us at a show or online at CD BABY. Included in the album jacket will be a download code for the full digital album at our bandcamp site, which has the title song Essence on it.

Enjoy!

Aural Moon, an online progressive rock radio station is going to feature our new album  “Essence” on their radio program, New Moon on Monday where they showcase new releases.

The show is April 9,2012, Monday at 9 pm eastern time and replayed the next Wednesday at 1pm Eastern and one more time Friday at 5 am EST for the rest of the world.

Thank you Mat from Aural Moon for giving us some airtime!

To listen, go to http://auralmoon.com  and look on the schedule.

Airplay on KOUG Radio! from the campus of Washington State University.

Thank you George! from KOUG Radio for putting our humble tunes on rotation in Washington State University’s campus and online! I have been listening for about a half hour now and I am impressed. Usually I am exhausted by listening to stations, but these DJ’s are picking some great music. No commercials and student run, what a superb combination.

We also have our music floating among the internet cloud on Last FM and soon in mid- February we should have our music playing on Pandora. Ok, now I just heard some Talking Heads. Yes they going in the right direction indeed.

Check out it out! KOUG

Who knows maybe you’ll hear us on there.

If you haven’t heard music by my friend and colleague George Lewis III, you should! His music goes by the moniker THE OTHER ALSO. It is simply beautiful and should be accompanied by a hot cup of tea on a rainy day, which is not hard to come by around here.

Check it out! THE OTHER ALSO

This is his most recent release, FIRES.

Debut Album Release “Essence”

Well, our first album is finally here! We began recording in July at Strauss Studios and after 6 months our first Cd is ready! What a process that was. I can only imagine the next one must be at least a little bit easier right?

The one great thing about recording in the summer is that you have the sunshine to brighten your day and inspire you to continue to make great music. The lame thing is, you are inside! not outside, enjoying that stunning ball of fire in the sky that you only see three months out of the year. I believe they call it the sun. Perhaps next time we will think of that beforehand.

I spent many hours learning Adobe Illustrator to create the layout of this CD jacket which I think turned out pretty good, but I had a great piece of art to work with. The cover art of the jacket was painted by Seattle artist Ego. He worked with us to create an beautiful and haunting illustration of our title song “Essence”. You must go check out his work, it’s amazing and creepy, thus the name of his website www.charmingcreep.com.

You can buy this album through CD Baby or at our next show.

Price $10.00 plus shipping.

We want to thank Mark Kaeder the magician behind the isolation glass for his excellent Engineering/Mixing work and attention to detail!

Owen Hofmann-Smith and Sharon Cannon for their amazing addition of strings to our project!

Cass Anawaty at Sunbreak Music for his superb Mastering skills!

And finally to Steve Strauss who made this project possible through the use of his fine studio and engineering advice!

                       The three of us honing our circus skills in the Big Apple

We lost a couple of drummers trying to get this shot. No, Actually we spent our first year without drums, focusing mostly on melody and harmony till we finally found Paul. if I were to psycho-analyze this photo, I would say that perhaps I am the one on top with my head in the clouds, Jake creating the solid foundation and Paul balancing us all out. By the way, where is your head Paul?