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Twin Town High (vol. 8) |
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Story of the Sea: Brothers at arms
Thursday 06 July @ 10:56:28 |
 By Rob van Alstyne
Although theyve been making music together on and off for the better part of two decades, starting in the family basement, it wasnt until the formation of Story of the Sea in 2003 that brothers Adam and Ian Prince fully committed themselves to playing in a band together. After listening to their soon-to-be released stellar debut, Enjoying the Fire, one obvious question comes to mind: What took them so damn long? The chemistry between the siblings is instantly clear: Adams guitar and vocal lines synching up with Ians massive percussion showcases in a symbiotic telepathy that can only be explained through similar genetic makeup.
I cant really compare playing with my brother to anything else,Esays Adam via cell phone from the bands van en route to a show in Omaha kicking off a brief Midwest tour. Weve been playing together for the most part since we were like 12. Theres intuitiveness there; we can kind of feel out certain things musically without having to say a word to each other. Its a more instinctive thing that I havent really experienced in other bands.E
Weve always wanted to [be in a band together],Esays Ian. Weve always played music together and written songs. The difference is that those previous bands always sort of happened almost out of convenience and we were just kind of hanging out. Neither of us were very business savvy. We were terrible about putting shows together or doing any recording; it was always a side project. We always had other things going on with bands that were spearheaded by people who had a bit more drive. It got to the point where we had to deliberately sit down and decide [Story of the Sea] was something we really wanted to do, even at the expense of some other musical opportunities. I went from playing with a lot of different people to a situation where Story of the Sea was my only band for a while.E
Those other projects include such well-known local groups as Man Planet, Houston, Alva Star and Kid Dakota, the latter of which Ian has since returned to full-time drumming duties for. The decision to refocus on Story of the Sea may not have been easy, but the results of the choice speak for themselves. Pretty much the entirety of Enjoying the Fire consists of tough and taut rock nEroll with more hooks than a tackle box; the closing hypno-lullaby Free to GoEproviding the lone exception and proving the band can pull off resigned melancholy just as effectively as embittered angst.
Story of the Sea have managed, on their first recorded effort, to craft an album that should instantly appeal to fans of old school Minnesota rock: Theres more than a dollop of the MatsEmagic in SOTSErough-and-tumble energy, as well as connoisseurs of new school cool; the shiny production values at work come courtesy of engineers Darren Jackson and Erik Appelwick (better known as the front men for Twin Cities spotlight kings The Hopefuls). The end result is a record that has the same visceral energy and immediacy as SOTSEgripping live performances, but with welcome instrumental accoutrements and production twists that make the listening experience deepen over time.
Whether favoring ear-bleeding intensity as in the frenzied feedback strum of Snarey X-mas,Eor slowly building seductive rhythmic tension interspersed with occasional staccato noise guitar flecks as in Stylish and Romantic,EStory of the Sea clearly take a considered approach to their rock assault. Each note of the sound feels essential, with bassist John McEwens fat bottom end providing the necessary bedrock for Ians propulsive percussion to wash over.
We just really wanted to make the best record that we could make without compromising,Esays Ian of the album, which marks the first release from new local label Speakerphone Records, a partnership run by Ian and Darren Jackson that will also be home to the forthcoming Kid Dakota album later this year. Weve both done records before where we wished things would have gone differently. Its just so permanent once the record is out there and done, we all wanted to happy with the results.E
This whole bands process is really a different animal for me,Eexplains Adam. The bands that Ive been in previously I never really had any part in writing the music. I was just the guitar player/keyboard guy. This is our material, not Joe Schmos; that makes it feel very different. Even right now I dont consider myself a singer; I just did the vocals because I write the songs and I sing. I definitely feel like theres a lot more riding on this experience.E
Having finally taken the musical plunge together, the brothers Prince arent hesitating to throw their all into the effort. An extensive run of tour dates out to the East Coast is currently being scheduled for August. Were pretty serious about it but were definitely not unrealistic,Esays Ian. Were going to do as much as we can. We all have day jobs and we have bills to pay. I want to go play other cities and have people see us. Were doing this touring stint right now and well be happy to play for whoever shows up. You can only play in Minneapolis so many times. I would love to be on the level of a local band in every city.E
I want to go as far as we can with it,Eoffers Adam, echoing his brothers statements. I would like to not have to work a day job anymore. Music is something Im always going to be doing regardless of what happens or doesnt happen and everyone else in the band feels the same way. Were always going to be doing it and always going to stay motivated. The Twin Cities are a great place to be from and theres a good scene here which people are into and I never take that for granted, but theres also a bigger music world out there and Id like to be a part of it.E
Story of the Sea play the CD release show for Enjoying the Fire on Fri., July 7 at the Turf Club with Faux Jean, Friends Like These, Kiss Kiss and Caleb Engstrom (performing in the Clown Lounge). 9 p.m. $5. 21+. For more information check out the bands official website at storyofthesea.com.
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