OLD PIKE

In a small Indiana club during the winter of 1995 members of two local bands, Planet Earth and Neena Foundry, found themselves sharing the stage. Following the band's respective sets, members from both bands returned to the stage for an improvised encore. Unbeknownst to the intimate crowd, they were witnessing the birth of Old Pike. Those lucky enough to be in attendance were blown away by the band's instantly apparent chemistry. That which followed was an emotionally moving experience for the crowd and the band.

Maturing from their spontaneous conception Old Pike brings us their first self -titled release. The seven songs presented on the release serve as an exemplary introduction to a band with more than 30 songs in their repertoire. Too many bands can "rock-out," but few will capture your attention with the pure emotion of their songs. Old Pike is one of the few. Their self-titled debut shows how it's done.

Opening with "The Surface," Old Pike wastes no time introducing the roots rock vein from which their music sprouts. Frontman Tim Jones' soulful voice sets Old Pike's sound apart from so many of their contemporaries. The disc takes a break in tempo as the band opens their soul on "Red Ribbon Paper," a unique song on the album in that it was recorded live and on an 8-track during a secluded week in Galena, IL. Not to worry, Old Pike returns to their original pace as "Stop The Ship" climaxes and moves into the appropriately titled "If You Can Wait.."

With the exception of "Red Ribbon Paper," all songs were recorded at Echo Park Studios, Bloomington, IN., and were produced by Paul Mahern (recent production projects include The Mysteries Of Life, United States Three, Lisa Germano) and Old Pike. The album was mixed at The Magic Shop Studios, New York, NY by John Agnello (Dinosaur Jr., The Breeders, Chavez, Archers Of Loaf).

The members of Old Pike are: Tim Jones, vocals, guitar; Jason Brammer, bass; Carl Broemel, guitar, vocals; Mike Flynn, organ, piano; and Eric Hopper, drums. They continue to build a strong fan base by touring regularly. Aside from headlining dates around the Midwest the band has opened for Ben Folds Five, the Old 97's, Blue Mountain, and Soul Asylum. The band currently has plans to stay on the road consistently into 1998.

Back to The EAR CD, Vol. 1

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