“Amazing” Album Release for Fragile
The Fine Line Music Café in downtown Minneapolis was the perfect venue for the CD release of one of the most up and coming local acts, Fragile. After three years and countless hours of hard work, Darrell Marrier, Chauncey Marrier, Christopher Marion, Matt Osowski and Charlie Van Kirk took the stage Saturday, May 15, 2010 and proudly showed the audience just what they were made of.
Cover of 'This Land Will Be Civilized'. Available on iTunes, Amazon and Minneapolis record stores.
The lights were dimmed to a dull glow as bassist Matt Osowski strummed his intro. The smoke machine in the corner ominously spouted a thick cloud covering the stage in a colorful haze. And, front man Darrell Marrier took the stage shortly after 11:30 p.m. amid a throng of people poised and ready to hear the debut album This Land Will Be Civilized in its entirety.
“We were planning a CD release for a while so there was a lot of anticipation leading up to it,” Darrell said. “Our first choice of venue was the Fine Line and we were lucky enough to have their support for the show. It seems to get better every time we play there.”
A confident group of guys, Fragile soaked in what Darrell said was a “community vibe” of bonding with the other bands before embarking on a live show that would officially solidify their place in the Minneapolis music scene. Three years of painstakingly tough work on an album that is sure to be the best thing coming out of the Twin Cities this year was all worth it as they opened with ‘Fire Within A Flame.’
Dressed in slick, gentlemanly attire complete with ties, suit jackets and button vests, the musicians of Fragile played each song off the album in order and with such grace, it gave new meaning to true musicianship. During the ending of ‘No,’ Darrell belted out a guitar solo with his voice, which only made a stunned crowd scream in shock and awe. This performance took his versatility factor to its highest yet and really showed just how talented he is.
Fragile musician Christopher Marion on keyboards. ©On the Rechord 2010
Halfway through the performance and in sync with the album, keyboardist Christopher Marion took hold of the violin and beautifully replicated the entrancing lead in chorus to the slower ballad, ‘Songbird.’ Keeping with the relaxed pace, guitarist Chauncey Marrier played the acoustic guitar alongside Darrell’s smooth vocals. But, it was the fast, haunting sounds of ‘Down to the River’ that got the entire audience clapping and moving to the beat. The hard guitars were perfectly on queue and the ever-pounding drums by Charlie Van Kirk gave the song new life as a live track. A little more than an hour later, Fragile had officially released their music to the masses.
“It’s a pretty surreal feeling to have that album out there for people to pick up,” Darrell said. “We have put so much time into it thus far that it seemed like we would never be done with it. So to have it released now and up on iTunes and Amazon and in some local stores is huge.”
Once the entire album had been played, they came back on stage for a few last songs to end the evening on a rocking note. A perfectly sung and played rendition of ‘No One Knows’ by Queens of the Stone Age started the hype and their almost signature ending cover, “Helter Skelter” by the Beatles could also be heard throughout the venue. Matching the intensity and angst of each song to a tee, each member did their part to send their band off with a great ending.
Fragile performs at their album release show at the Fine Line on May 15, 2010. ©On the Rechord 2010
“We thought it really worked live and we felt good about the ebbs and flows of the sound and energy it presented,” Darrell said. “Again, the sound was really great and it set us up to play our best. The set went by really fast for us and before we knew it we were playing ‘Slow Suicide’ and wrapping things up. Being able to come back out and play a couple extras is always nice as well. Overall, I think this was the best show we have played thus far.”
While the musicians are taking careful steps to take their music to the next level, they aren’t going to ease up on their dream of both making an influential impact and creating music that inspires.
“The future of Fragile is something we are shaping very carefully and again, now that the record is released we can take this to the next level,” Darrell said. “The reactions to the record have been great and there is this feeling like we can really make something of it. We have a ways to go to get to where we as a band want to be and where we want this record to be. We had fun and celebrated its release, but now it’s back to work.”
The Opening Acts
Also on the bill for the evening as opening acts were three well-established Minneapolis bands Far From Falling, Morning Society, and Parachutes Fail, and the brand new sounds from The Attley Project. While singer/songwriter Ray Attley and guitarist Evan Tepler are familiar with the music scene as former members of the now defunct Drift Effect, it was the first big gig for The Attley Project, and it happened to be a CD release show.
“I felt really good about our performance,” Attley said. “I think we got a great reaction and it felt pretty good to play. I have to admit that I was very nervous to play guitar in front of people. I haven’t done that in almost four years, yet I think I played well, which makes me really happy.”
Attley and Tepler pose with a sign a fan made in support of their new project. ©On the Rechord 2010
While Attley and Tepler have been writing together for quite some time, it was at this show that the two friends showcased the inner workings of their thought process with lyrically astonishing songs such as ‘Memory,’ ‘Surround You,’ and ‘Cycles.’ It only took a half hour set for The Attley Project to make an impact but it brought out a great crowd and even a couple of signs, one being a faux marriage proposal for Tepler.
“It’s very flattering,” Tepler said. “I’ve mostly been the ‘guy behind the scenes’ and to know that now that I’m back on stage and have that support from friends means a lot. And honestly, we couldn’t have asked for a better crowd for our Minneapolis debut.”
After a somber and thoughtful opening performance by The Attley Project, Indie rock group Parachutes Fail brought not only their exceptional background sounds but their entrancing voices as well. Describing themselves with a sound of “broken syntax on rented lips,” lead singer and guitarist Josh Engen and musician of all trades Ryan Knitter took the mic and belted out an acoustic performance that I hadn’t experienced before. The sound of Engen’s voice was absolutely captivating and mixed in with the keyboard and background music done by Knitter entertained the audience throughout the entire performance.
A brief intermission in music brought in more and more people as Morning Society set up for their performance. Another debut was in store as former guitarist of Drift Effect Marc Hedman, who currently plays in Morning Society and played several songs with The Attley Project earlier in the evening, helped pick up the tempo of the show.
“It’s definitely different, as the music is a bit mellower than Drift Effect,” Hedman said of his new gig. “I’m still trying to figure out at what points of the songs I can jump around! All of the guys are amazing musicians and great dudes. It’s made the transition really enjoyable.”
Rocking out many of their most popular songs from their debut album, the guys of Morning Society have a stage presence all their own and even with a new lineup are just as impressive as before.
“For us, playing with Fragile was great,” bassist Tom Trenka said. “And, I think our own set was pretty strong. We mostly played songs from our debut CD, but we added at least one new song and that went over well.”
Harley Wood, front man of Far From Falling belts out 'The Last Hello'. ©On the Rechord 2010
The final act before the much-anticipated headliners was the well-known, popular boys of Far From Falling. Always bringing a fantastic following, ticket holders packed the floor to support front man Harley Wood and his crew of brilliant musicians.
“We were asked by Fragile’s manager in conjunction with the First Avenue Ovarian Cancer benefit that was held recently,” said guitarist John Reid about playing that evening. “We absolutely love playing the Fine Line and our schedule was open, so it worked out nicely.”
An electric first few songs amped up the atmosphere within the Fine Line and set the perfect stage for the last band. Although Reid said it was Fragile’s night to shine, they were just as proud to promote their band and show support for other bands, whether they are headlining or not.
“We’re flattered to be held in such high regard,” Reid said. “We always want to make an effort to play with and support bands that are trying to do something positive with their gifts.”
Giving Back
Aside from just the music, Darrell and Chauncey Marrier are using their gifts in a positive way by supporting their own cause, The Hands Foundation. It began after a trip to Monterrey, Mexico showed many families in need of stable housing. The nonprofit organization, aimed at helping under privileged and poor families, dedicates its work to providing labor and materials for building projects.
The Hands Foundation Logo. Fragile's nonprofit organization aimed at supplying building materials for those in need.
While it was all about the music for the majority of people at the release, it was also about helping others for Fragile. At the merchandise table was a small jar that was promoted during the evening as a jar that would accept donations for the Hands Foundation.
“After all was said and done, we were able to raise about $250 for the foundation,” Darrell said. “It was a great start to what we hope will be something big here in Minneapolis and St. Paul with the Hands Foundation.”
The two most recent projects the brothers Marrier are working on are local projects, one in St. Paul and the other in Burnsville. Photos and stories of these projects will be up on the Hands Foundation’s site soon.
At the end of the evening, another great local band was able to realize a dream of putting their music out there. And, not only were they happy with the festivities, but the supporting acts were just as proud.
“Fragile’s set was amazing,” Hedman said. “Their musical palette has always been diverse, but it all fit together. Something about their set that night j ust flowed, and for the first time I was really able to see really how deeply personal and emotional Darrell’s lyrics are. Blew my mind.”
The debut album from Fragile ‘This Land Will Be Civilized’ is available now on iTunes, Amazon and at Electric Fetus, Cheapo, Roadrunner and Treehouse Records stores throughout Minneapolis.
For more information about Fragile visit their website.
For more information or to donate to the Hands Foundation visit the website.
Fragile Debut Album Release Days Away
Only three more days until the much anticipated release of Minneapolis-based rock band Fragile ‘s debut album This Land Will Be Civilized. With special guests The Attley Project, Far From Falling, Morning Society and Parachutes Fail, Fragile will take the stage Saturday at the Fine Line Music Cafe to showcase their talent and new songs. To get a feel for what their music is like, read the album review here. This release will also double as a fundraiser for the band’s foundation, The Hands Foundation. Helping families in Monterrey, Mexico, members of Fragile have helped build homes for residents living in the poverty stricken area.
You don’t want to miss this show! As an up and coming band in the Twin Cities area, Fragile is show to blow your mind and change your perspective on both what music is and what it means.
The Line Up:
Fragile 11:40
Far From Falling 10:45
Morning Society 10:00
Parachutes Fail 9:15
The Attley Project (Feat. Ray Attley and former members of Drift Effect) 8:30
Date:
May 15, 2010
Doors @ 7 p.m.
Location:
The Fine Line Music Cafe
318 First Avenue North
Minneapolis, MN 55401
Black Days Down Says ‘Goodbye’ With Big Show
It’s a somber day in music when any band decides to break up. Whether creative differences, personal conflicts or other factors bring a band to its end, it’s always a heartbreaking event for both the musicians and fans. While Minneapolis-based rock band Black Days Down announced they had plans of parting ways at the end of March, it doesn’t change the emotions hundreds of fans are feeling as they flood a fan site with both well wishes and expressions of sadness. However, don’t count these hard rocking boys out just yet. They are poised and ready to give their fans one last show on May 15 that no one will soon forget.
Minneapolis-based rock group, Black Days Down.
With Brad Whelan at the helm tackling lead vocals, Kyle Glidden on bass, Andy Reyerson on lead guitar and Matt Burke on drums, Black Days Down has entertained all sorts of audiences in countless venues across the country. The four men from varying creative backgrounds have seamlessly put together two albums already and before deciding to call it quits, they were in the midst of creating a five-song EP appropriately titled Art.Official.Ends. While Glidden said it wasn’t foreshadowing the future, it definitely has more meaning now. But, with the final curtain call just days away, these four rockers are guaranteeing a farewell concert unlike any other.
“The same in your face rock show Black Days Down has always put on,” Glidden said of what fans can expect. “It will just be a bit more of an emotional one than normal though.”
“We started this band as four guys weary of the same old ‘commercial rock,’ but passionate enough to try and put our spin on the hard rock, rock, and metal genres, while at the same time always holding true to the adage what you see is what you get,” Whelan said. “And, fans can expect no less.”
Taking the stage alongside two other Twin Cities bands, Tepetricy and Third Supply, Black Days Down is promising an extended set of at least an hour.
“We are going to be playing a pretty long set, no covers, but most of the songs we’ve written,” Reyerson said. “I would definitely watch the first and last songs if anyone is wanting to get a glimpse of what each member is feeling. Those are always the songs that the band ‘takes in’.
While a set length isn’t completed quite yet, Black Days Down guarantees fans most, if not all, songs from their previous records as well as songs off the upcoming EP, Art.Official.Ends. Each member agrees that though this show may give them each closure, it is really for the fans.
“We don’t want to be one of those bands that doesn’t give the fans a last chance to see us,” Glidden said. “Honestly, we’re doing this show for the fans. Plain and simple.”
“I’m just hoping to have a great time, put on an excellent, fun final performance for the fans, sing my heart out one last time with Black Days Down, and walk off the stage keeping my head held high,” Whelan said.
Black Days Down is continuing to pursue finishing touches on Art.Official.Ends. and plan to release it sometime in the very near future.
The Looming Future
A lot of folks nowadays think the end to something is a time to grieve and dwell on the past. But, these guys are jumping at the endless opportunities in front of them. As the old saying goes, “with every end comes a new beginning.” And a new beginning is just what is happening. While Black Days Down is indefinitely retired, each member has begun to write his next chapter.
Brad- With no definite musical plans ahead of him, Whelan plans to take some time away from the scene and focus on an unnamed book of poetry he is writing. He plans to self-publish the piece in early 2011. However, only time will tell he said, as his love of music will always be a persistent desire. “We’ll see how long I can stand it as I’m already feeling the creative itch to get another musical project started,” he said. “I’ve got a few ideas in mind. I have also had a few offers since the announcement of the Black Days Down break up. So, only time will tell.”
Andy- With hopes of resurrecting a project he said has been put off for way too long, Reyerson will be recording a solo record. Playing every instrument and programming all functions, he also plans to find a group and play his music live. “It’s a style of music that most people can appreciate,” he said. “I’m still juggling ideas around for a name though. I hope Black Days Down fans will check it out and appreciate what it is.”
Kyle- Currently in another Minneapolis-based band, Glidden is pursuing new endeavors in 3 Pill Morning. Currently writing new material, Glidden and his new band mates are also working on setting a tour schedule. “I’m always looking for more chances to play music,” he said. Anything that comes my way is always a possibility.”
Matt- Also joining forces with 3 Pill Morning, Burke is working on new material and keeping in the same hardworking, push forward mindset as Glidden.
Where: The Rock Nightclub in Maplewood, Minn.
When: Saturday, May 15
Time: Doors at 7 p.m./ Black Days Down takes the stage at 11:30 p.m.
Cost: $6 for 21+/ $8 for 18-20
For more information or to listen to music by Black Days Down visit their Facebook or MySpace.
DigiAve Knows How To Throw a Party
After a month of planning and promoting the first big event for Digital Avenue, founder Dallas McLaughlin and recording artist Nick Mac managed to pull off a party of epic proportions. On Saturday April 24, 2010, hundreds of patrons and loyal fans of DigiAve packed Mickey’s Irish Saloon in Rochester, Minn., to celebrate their hard earned success and participate in an evening that proved to be nothing short of outrageous.
Digital Avenue fans show support at the "Spend an Evening with Digital Avenue" at Mickey's Irish Saloon. Photo by North Coast Photography.
Red ones, green ones, blue ones, even purple and orange ones. All sorts of colors and styles of Digital Avenue apparel made appearances at the first ever “Spend a Night with Digital Avenue” event at Mickey’s Irish Saloon. Indulging in the perfect Saturday evening, event goers sporting DigiAve gear were treated to drink deals, entertainment and a chance to get a little crazy. Complete with contests, special guests and professional photo ops, the event definitely didn’t skimp on extras.
Contests
In true Irish fashion, the first contest of the evening was a beer chugging contest. Several contestants stepped up to the plate with a healthy appetite for lager. Representing Digital Avenue was Jeff Curtis. Although Curtis didn’t pull out the win, William Lopez of Rochester earned the W and a hearty congratulations, as it was also his birthday.
How low can you go? The limbo contest brought several skilled people to the floor. Photo by North Coast Photography.
The second contest, bringing in many more participants, was the ever-popular limbo. Lining up to take a shot at getting low, dozens of people took the challenge but only one was victorious. Going as low as she could go, Kelly Bennett of Rochester walked away with the win and a Digital Avenue tank top.
A more provocative and attention grabbing third contest had almost the entire bar gawking as several women lined up to take a shot at the elusive stripper pole. While the amateurs were weeded out through several rounds, a select few made it for the final dance off. Digital Avenue recording artist Nick Mac had reason to cheer (or maybe look away) as his brave yet excited mother, Carol Brannon, grabbed a hold of the pole and busted out her best moves. While Brannon didn’t take the crown, an infamous girl in a pink ruffle top did. Looking cozy with the pole, pink ruffle top girl grinded and danced her way to victory. Honorable mentions to Amy Hood, representing Digital Avenue, who came in with a respectable second.
The final contest of the night was a t-shirt design event. With only a short amount of time, teams took Sharpie to white shirts and created crude mock-ups of what could potentially be a new Digital Avenue design. Creative juices flowing, Cynthia Steele from Rochester drew her way into the winner’s circle.
Guest Appearances
Because this was a night dedicated to him and his company, McLaughlin was a common face seen lurking and mingling amidst the crowd of bodies. “Overall [the event] was awesome,” he said. “It was kind of a sink or swim situation. A lot of people were skeptical about how many, and who we could bring in. But, come 10 o’clock, the place was packed wall to wall.”
Helping McLaughlin keep the event running smoothly was host and emcee Dave Chiarini. Filling the bar with the latest hits and music to keep the energy high, Chiarini kept the party people partying all the way to bar close. He also played a song by recording artist Nick Mac, who was also in attendance supporting McLaughlin and promoting Digital Avenue and his music.
Capturing the insanity of the packed event was Ryan Spaulding from North Coast Photography. Getting the good, the bad and the ugly of each crazy moment, Spaulding took this chance to showcase his talent. “I think DJ just wanted to help me out in getting a little bit more exposure and at the same time he was getting professional coverage of his event,” Spaulding said. “So, it was a win-win situation. It was a fun night, simple as that.”
McLaughlin poses with two of the Budweiser girls who lent their help to the event. Photo by North Coast Photography.
Another established company in Rochester lent some of their staff members for the event to help with contests and promote Digital Avenue. Budweiser of Rochester and the famous Bud Girls helped out with the limbo event and gave away DigiAve gear to patrons.
The Final Word
Whether you walked away with new Digital Avenue gear, stickers or just an intoxicated feeling, the party went above and beyond the expectations of both McLaughlin and people in attendance. “I came out because I was celebrating my birthday but I also heard about Digital Avenue from people I knew,” said Elizabeth Severson of Rochester. “I wanted to see what they were about. It was a really fun time. There definitely was a good turn out.”
A packed Mickey's Irish Saloon welcomed the first "Spend an Evening with Digital Avenue" on April 24, 2010. Photo by North Coast Photography.
While McLaughlin said it was a hit or miss situation, the event was definitely knocked out of the park. “It definitely was a success,” he said. “Even Mickey’s was caught off guard with the amount of people we brought in. The manager was on the phone with the owner before we even left telling him he had to get us back there.” Already planning the next big party, McLaughlin said he knows exactly how to promote it this time and will only plan for it to be bigger the second time around.
To view all pictures from the April 24, 2010, “Spend a Night with Digital Avenue,” event visit North Coast Photography Facebook page.
For more information on Digital Avenue, click here.
For more information on North Coast Photography, click here.
Benefit Concert Draws Big Bands and Big Money
Affecting the lives of more than 21,000 women in 2009 alone, Ovarian Cancer is quickly becoming a more common killer. Silently attacking the bodies of those diagnosed, this type of cancer is normally caught in the later stages of infection. Although this disease is gaining more attention, there is still much research to be done. In the hope of providing the funds for further research, nine bands from the Twin Cities area got together for the 4th annual “It Whispers So Listen” Ovarian Cancer benefit to raise money for the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance (MOCA).
Ovarian Cancer Benefit poster.
Sarah Pray, Fragile, No Bird Sing, Drift Effect, Attention, Far From Falling, The Melismatics, Big Quarters and Now, Now Every Children took the stage at First Avenue in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 17, 2010 to support a great cause. While promoting the event as well as each other, one band after another graced the stage with their musical talents. However, one group in particular was on a mission of greater proportions.
After five years, three albums and countless shows throughout the country, Minneapolis-based rock band Drift Effect took the stage for their final performance. At 6:30 p.m., Ray Smart, Ben Roselius, Marc Hedman, Nate Heinz and former drummer Josh Dittrich proudly took the stage and performed some of their best hits. After a couple songs, Dittrich retired, giving current drummer Adam Schmid the reigns for the rest of the performance.
Drift Effect performs at the 4th annual "It Whispers So Listen" Ovarian Cancer Benefit at First Avenue on April 17, 2010. © On The Record 2010
A 30-minute set, six songs, and all the work from the past five years came to an end, said front man Ray Smart. “It was awesome that we ended our band playing for something bigger than ourselves,” he said. “It was a surreal moment knowing that in a few minutes five years of work is over.”
Voting the tunes ‘Not For Good,’ ‘She Said’ and ‘No Rides’ into the set list, fans flooded the band’s Facebook page hoping to hear their favorite songs one last time. Being a very fan-friendly band, the group played their hearts out to their loyal fans. “We played those songs because those were the ones people wanted to hear,” said guitarist Ben Roselius. “It was just as much the fan’s last show as ours.”
One fan, Tricia Fuelling, who has been a fan since the early days, was emotional to say the least. With teary eyes yet a ready to rock attitude, she settled in for the short yet fulfilling set. “I have been a fan of Drift Effect since the first show of theirs that I went to,” she said. “They opened my eyes to this entire world of local music that I had no idea existed.” Fans from across the state of Minnesota showed support for the guys. From friends, family and other members of local bands, Drift Effect definitely had a great group of loyal fans singing along. “Being at this last show as something that could provide a sense of closure,” Fuelling said. “I know the guys are moving onto new things but I needed this one last time to hear them live.”
Ending their set with an extended version of ‘No Rides,’ Drift Effect signed off amidst a storm of applause from the audience.
Other Acts
Opening the event was piano player slash guitar player slash vocalist Sarah Pray. While the event hadn’t quite picked up yet, show goers were treated to the soulful, smooth sounds of Pray’s music. In the middle of her set, the audience was treated to a duet between her and front man from Minneapolis-based rock band Fragile. Singing a rendition of a CCR song, Darrell Marrier and Pray beautifully sang an acoustic song. From slow songs to upbeat piano inspired tunes, Pray was a great opening act that is sure to be around the music scene for quite some time.
Fragile performs at the 4th annual "It Whispers So Listen" Ovarian Cancer Benefit at First Avenue on April 17, 2010. © On The Record 2010
Shortly after Pray’s set, Fragile performed several new songs along side a classic Beatles tune. In black-tie attire, the five-member rock band gave ticket holders something to rock out to. Promoting their debut album release titled This Land Will Be Civilized, Fragile played ‘Down to the River,’ ‘Fire Within a Flame’ and several songs off the album and mixed in a rockin’ version of ‘Helter Skelter’ by the Beatles. Merrier, whose band had been looked at in an earlier piece, had said their excitement for this event would show through the music. And they definitely didn’t disappoint.
Playing after Drift Effect was another well-known band in Minneapolis, Attention. With a large fan base, playing shows across the country and having a song show up on a popular MTV reality show, the boys from Attention brought with them their best tunes. An interactive lead singer, Jeremy Tappero encouraged the audience to not only sing along but also jam out with the band. Playing songs off their latest album “Through the Wire,” Attention grabbed the attention of everyone in the building with their pop/punk sounds and killer guitar chords.
The last two hours of the event brought four more bands, including Far From Falling, another well-known Twin Cities band. From the energetic antics of lead singer Harley Wood to the intricate working of three guitars and booming drum, the group gave it all to support the cause. The Melismatics brought the pop/punk to the table with the keyboards and great musical talents. Big Quarters and Now, Now Every Children closed the event with a slue of people gathering around the stage to soak in the last of the great music.
“It worked out well. This is our second most lucrative event to date,” said event planner Charles Hopper. “It was a good time. It was a smooth show and the music was very good.” First Avenue has agreed to host the event again next year and planning for the 5th annual event is already in the works, Hopper said. He hopes to get a national headlining band to make the event really take off, furthering the drive to raise awareness and money for the cause.
Attention performs at the 4th annual "It Whispers So Listen" Ovarian Cancer Benefit at First Avenue on April 17, 2010. © On The Record 2010
Thanks in part to the participating nine bands, show help and of course everyone who bought a ticket and donated, this benefit was able to rake in $1, 400 to give to MOCA for further Ovarian Cancer research. For women living with this disease, family members affected by the diagnoses of a loved one or anyone who has dealt with this issue knows that every bit of funds for research helps bring a solution to this silent killer.
Finally, a few members of Drift Effect would like to get one final message out to the fans that have supported them throughout the years:
Ben- I would say thank you, because I do feel gratitude. But, I’d rather say it was fun. They are just as much a part of this [Drift Effect] machine as the players, road people and merch people are. I say to them what I say to Ray, Marc, Adam, Dizz and Nate. They are the best I’ve known.
Nate- Mostly, thank you to everyone who enjoyed what we did.
Ray- The support we have received has been amazing. I can’t even begin to express my gratitude.
Marc- As excited as I was to share my music with them, I’ve taken away so much from the relationships and the people I’ve met. I’m so thankful for the opportunity for those exchanges.
For more information about the benefit concert, pictures and videos, visit On the Rechord on Facebook.
Fragile Album is Rock Solid
Minneapolis independent band Fragile promotional shot for their debut album.
Twelve perfectly placed songs seamlessly glide together, telling a cohesive story that Marrier said came from humble beginnings. An idea from his cousin, who was studying film, to make several short films for his portfolio got Marrier thinking. “The whole process started out with simple ideas, we do what we normally do, took breaks, made new tracks. We didn’t know where it was going but really started a whole new idea with my cousin.” With this concept in mind, Marrier put pen to paper and created a few songs. With this new found drive, he also found a common theme he wanted to incorporate in the album. A lifelong fan of western themed movies, he latched onto the ideology and cinematic feel of the Wild West and created the masterpiece that is This Land Will Be Civilized.
The album, spanning just under forty-five minutes, has a steady stream of music that leads the listener from one song to the next. Just like a book, This Land Will Be Civilized has a beginning, middle and end. Opening the album is the introduction track “Reckoning”, a gentle chorus of strings that lays out the canvas for the entire album. It draws the listener in with an almost melodic chant of violins and other string instruments. The next four songs work together to tell a story of the impending apocalypse and how we as humans still have time to turn our lives around. The old western feel is definitely present in the fourth track titled “No.” It almost paints a picture of two foes having a duel at 30 paces. “When I write I like there to be a theme,” Marrier said. “We started with that and it took on an epic feel. This sort of western feel throughout the album really gave it a cinematic feel. Even though were weren’t trying for it, I’m excited it happened that way.”
An interlude in the middle titled “Retreat” spikes up the intensity with the strings as a sense of urgency becomes apparent in the sound. It almost feels as if it is foreshadowing the feeling for the rest of the album. Amid sounds of blowing wind, the interlude ends with a heavy chorus of violins. The remainder of the album takes on a secular feel as the tracks “Down to the River” and “Purgatory” draw out Marrier’s inner demons and character struggle to be saved. “I didn’t want to vibe it either way on the religious subject but religion can be such a polarizing thing. It’s interesting spiritually. These two are different but the same. I grew up in the church and sometimes there is going to be that idea.” People write what they know and Marrier knows how to grab a listeners attention.
The finale to the album titled “Redemption” stays with the strict musicianship of the introduction and interlude. Waves crash in the background as the deep sounds of the string instruments linger. As each note is slowly but deliberately delivered, the listener is given a sense of reflection on the lessons presented in the album. The ending to the book like record left me feeling relaxed and ready to listen again.
My Top Three Picks:
1. Fire Within A Flame- A deep chant from Marrier begins the song about the end of the world, “an unopposed apocalypse.” Even though this doom is forecasted, a concept becomes clear, we still aren’t changing our ways. The chorus presents another notion that even though we will all die, we still have the chance to make an impact.
”It will crumble someday
I will go down in flames
But in my wake a light will remain
Fighting for love and
Fighting for change
And up from the ashes of my remains
A fire will rise up from the flames.”
2. Songbird- The first song after the interlude. A quiet, ballad-like love song about a girl running away and a loving boy chasing after her. “This was actually the most challenging song for me to write lyrically,” Marrier said. “My wife and I had just gotten pregnant and it was our first child. It was a whole new experience for us and it inspired me to finish this song.” The idea of protecting the one you love was the main focus for the song, a concept that was now intimately a part of Marrier’s new life.
“Faintly though at first
The songbird well rehearsed
Building slow upon the verse
Sent her song to guide me
No matter which road I choose
They all lead back to you.”
3. Down to the River- This song is unlike any other on the album. It begins very fast and brings along hard guitar sounds. This song definitely got my blood running and feet tapping. I was excited to hear Marrier push his vocal skills to the limit and really use it to his advantage throughout the chorus. Lyrically, this song described the last wishes of a dying man to reach a river in order that his life, or afterlife, be saved. Another man in the song helps the dying man venture to the river only to find it has been dried up. This painful struggle to find redemption never comes to the man as he dies at the feet of the dried basin. “This story I started writing and knew I wanted to twist it at the end,” Marrier laughed as I said I was heartbroken that the man never received salvation. “The idea just came to me and it was awful. But, I’m all about finding a great story and putting a crazy twist on it. There is something pretty incredible about putting everything on the line to help someone fulfill their dying wish.” Even though Marrier said he didn’t dwell on a religious theme for the song, it still serves as a humbling experience of the struggles some people go through just to find redemption at the end of life.
“But we finally came to rest
And at the foot of his last breath
He said, ‘Just over the next hill I swear I can hear it.’
So I went on ahead and found the river bed
But it was dry.”
A Fragile Future
Currently, Marrier and his brother Chauncey, guitarist, are furthering their favorite cause, the Hands Foundation. Aimed at helping those in need, the Hands Foundation is a non-profit 501c corporation inspired after a youth trip to Monterrey Mexico in 2003 showed the true conditions of the homeless residents. The foundation’s first plan was to build houses for homeless people in Monterrey at least once a year. So far, it has been successful in yielding one to two houses a year. While promoting this cause, the band is also proud to announce their performance slot at the 4th Annual Ovarian Cancer Benefit “It Whispers So Listen and Overcome” at First Avenue on April 17, 2010. “We do work with our foundation a lot and we are always into playing for a reason and for a purpose,” Marrier said. “We play a lot of shows to raise money for the Hands Foundation and it’s important to get causes like this and the benefit out there. We are always willing to play for something positive like this.”
While getting ready to launch their debut album, Fragile is staying active with several shows in Minneapolis as well as the Florida Music Festival in Orlando. The album is slated to hit shelves and online retailers May 18, 2010, with a much anticipated album release show on May 15th at the Fine Line in downtown Minneapolis. Marrier said they hope audiences see the hard work that has been put into this record. “I hope they realize how important music is to us,” he said. “And, how we want to further along the music scene and give something to it. We set out to make something special so audiences can get something out of our music. It’s not just for certain people, it’s for everyone to relate to. I hope that it reaches a lot of different people.”
For more information about Fragile, visit their website or MySpace. For more information about The Hands Foundation, visit their website . For more information about the 4th Annual Ovarian Cancer Benefit visit www.benefitrock.com.
4th Annual” It Whispers So Listen and Overcome” Benefit
Hey all! Now that it’s April, I thought I’d make my first post of the month an important one! For the past four years, Angelique Epstein has been spouting a worthy cause alongside a day jam packed with local rock bands. The 4th Annual “It Whispers So Listen and Overcome” Benefit concert at First Avenue in Minneapolis pairs great music with a great cause. Aimed at raising money for the Minnesota Ovarian Cancer Alliance, the benefit helps further the much needed research that will hopefully work to stop this disease.
Ovarian Cancer is the deadliest of the gynecologic cancers and is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in the United States. The Ovarian Cancer Alliances predicted that more than 25,000 women will be diagnosed with Ovarian Cancer this year. And, because the disease is a silent killer, many will be diagnosed in later stages of the cancer.
On Saturday April 17, bring your donations to First Avenue venue in Minneapolis and come ready to rock as nine great local bands hit the stage!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
Date: Saturday, April 17, 2010
Time: Doors @ 4 p.m.
Place: First Avenue
701 North 1st Avenue, Minneapolis, MN
Tickets: $12 in advance/$12 at the door
Performances and times:
Now, Now Every Children – 9:30
Big Quarters – 8:50
The Melismatics – 8:10
Far From Falling – 7:30
Attention – 6:50
Drift Effect – 6:10
No Bird Sing – 5:30
Fragile – 4:50
Sarah Pray – 4:15
For more information about the 4th Annual “It Whispers So Listen and Overcome” Benefit concert at First Ave visit www.benefitrock.com.
