With Previous Musical Contributions From: William Caperton, Joe Johnson, Andy Lageson, Aaron Zee, Adam Consatable, Andrew Allen, Steph Alexander, Adam Booker, Bryce Richardson, Justin Burckhard, Hannah Murray, Joshua Syx, Knol Tate, Noah Paster, Bruce Wuollett,
THEMES creates a lush sound scape of proto folk rock mixing thick Baritone guitars, heavy piano driven arrangements, and fiercely pensive rhythms, while male and female vocals intertwine, weaving colorful blankets of stories filled with an ageless haunted insight, that somehow, seems urgently necessary in today’s world. While striking a thoughtful tone, THEMES draws many comparisons to such greats as Nick Cave, Joni Mitchell, Cat Stevens, Grace Slick, and Neil Young. McIntosh and Crawford's Sophomore album "War Over The Great Plains" is over an hour of such intensely vivid music that one might feel they are listening to a film score. When it ends, one is left wanting to know more about the mysterious people who make THEMES music.
What began Santa Rosa, CA, in the winter of 2006, as the collaboration between Jacy McIntosh (ex-end transmission, askeleton, ela) and Kelsey Crawford (ex Vox Vermillion). Returned to Minneapolis, with a developed sound, to record their first full length "War Over The Great Plains". As a whole, the album seems to be a sort loaded protest piece, aimed at displacement of native and folk cultures in an age of modernity and capitalistic expansion, while in between, there lies a certain unreachable beauty through the darkness, that is only spoken of briefly before it disappears again behind thick walls of pianos and baritone guitars.
After releasing a full length LP, 2 7"s and a Forthcoming (vinyl only) EP in 2 years, as well as 5 months of tour, THEMES will be headed into the studio in their new home in portland , with yet another full length due this summer
PETALUMA, CA,
NORTH BAY BOHEMIAN, BY GABE MELINE 05-20-08
"Lemme just say first off that when I brought Themes‘ new 7 Inch "I can't make you believe, It's not hopeless to survive." home on Sunday afternoon, I listened to it three times in a row, over and over. It’s that good. Full of optimistic hooks, unifying harmonies, and hopeful lyrics, it’s nothing short of inspiring. It’s the Obama of 7 Inches !!"
PORTLAND, OR,
WILLAMETTE WEEKLY BY AMY MCCULLOUGH. 5-21-08
"This guy-girl duo also claims to play "folk rock," but the songs on its latest full-length, War Over the Great Plains, employ plenty of electric piano and guitar, theatrical vocals and an epic nature that smacks more of post metal than old Americana. (Think Faith No More Videos, and You've got the right idea.) Jacy McIntosh's deep roar of a voice could've sound tracked something like Twister, all foreboding and mysterious and intense. Makes sense, then, that THEMES lists "Mother Nature's random acts of violence" as its only inspiration. Key-tickler Kelsey Crawford, adds loftier, heavenly vocals to all the drama, highlighting the songs' melodies and saving the THEMES message from suffocating in its own smoldering dark-rock fire."
CHICO, CA THEMES LIVE @ THE CRUX GALLERY, BY : RYAN PRADO for Synthesis.net
Themes was instantly engaging; McIntosh’s epic vocal bravado laid the groundwork for the multi-instrumentalists in the band to paint lush resonance within highly progressive musical evolutions. Crawford’s lovely key work added lulling repose to what were by and large monolithic hybrids of folk/rock/orchestral-pop opuses, and the result was hugely impressive; the sparkling brows of the Crux audience nodded along with every plotted beat. Find this band and listen to them today.
Brosistromance: def. when you love your guy pal and his gal pal like your sister and brother from otha' motha's Is that too insestuous? Not meant to be, I love you guys... Miss Pdx and Mpls ain't the same without ya. maybe see you soon here or there
Hey THEMES! Just want to stop by to say thanks for being friends! Keep me in mind if you need any mastering done. All of the info is on my page and feel free to email me anytime. Only $25 per song and $100 for an EP, mix-tape, or full CD! Thanks!! Jim Wavelength MD
hey! thanks for being a pal! we surely appreciate it! if you get a second, please check out the music, yeah? keep in touch and take care of yourself. erich
Hey, kids. Why don't you pack up your tambourines and come over to my house for a while. We'll have some pork chops on the grill. Okay, then. See ya around 8.
There were many things god forgot.....THEMES was not one of them...........
"Walk and touch peace every moment. Walk and touch happiness every moment. Each step brings a fresh breeze. Each step makes a flower bloom. Kiss the Earth with your feet. Bring the Earth your love and happiness. The Earth will be safe when we feel safe in ourselves. "
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