With diverse musical roots and the spirit of Canadian indie comes the first full length release from Before The Flood. “Bars Wire and Wood” (Quarry Records) is an album soaked with lyrical imagery and is fueled by a fusion of alt-rock and experimental folk. An interpretive style that’s been in the making since the bands inception in early 2005.
But, how did we get here…
Songwriters Steve and Aaron first met in Toronto in 1997, however it wasn’t until they joined with Milton percussionist Jeff and pianist Rachel in 2005 that the vision started to take shape. The addition of Jason on bass was the final piece to the puzzle and Before The Flood was born. A collaborative flurry of writing, recording and performing ensued.
In December 2006, the band released a homegrown EP entitled “Lie Love EP” (Independent). A folk inspired 5-song disc that brought Steve’s social commentaries and Aaron’s pop-infused melodies to life. In tone and mood, the EP drew from influences like Tom Waits, Neil Young and Nick Drake.
In June of 2007, “We Were The Halls” (Independent) was released in limited circulation. A driven 3-song single that showcased more of the bands live energy and their evolving sound. The lead track “The Halls” brought a poppy, more impulsive alt-country vibe that caught the ear of producer/mixer/masterer Reuben Ghose.
With recent projects including Hawksley Workman, Feist and Broken Social Scene presents Kevin Drew, Reuben approached BTF with an offer. Allow him to remix “The Halls”…period. No strings. Huh(?). His timing couldn’t have been better. Not only was the new mix remarkable, but the band had months invested into recording new material. As co-producer and mixer, the project (Bars Wire and Wood) would explode into action.
BTF also brought in heavy hitter (and friend of Reuben’s) Noah Mintz to master the album. Noah gained street cred in his early days with hHead and has gone on to master all of Broken Social Scene’s work. He also holds Feist, Jason Collett, The Dears and Stars as close personal friends and clients. We were in good hands.
“Bars Wire and Wood” is the inaugural release under the Quarry Records label. From driving straight-ahead rock in the title track “Bars Wire and Wood” to alt-rock gems like “Why (When I Already Know)”, “Distract” and “The Kids Are in Bed” Before The Flood brings their genre-splitting style to the listener. A sonic experience akin to trailblazers like Wilco and The Shins.
In the words of singer/songwriter Jason Collett: “There’s no time like the time right before the flood.”
INSTRUMENTATION:
Steve Davis (Guitars, Vocals, Lap Steel, Piano, Harmonica, Mandolin)
Aaron Christie (Guitars, Vocals, Harmonica)
Jeff Boulton (Drums, Percussion)
Jason Lacrosse (Bass Guitar, Percussion)
Rachel Boulton (Violin, Keyboards)
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