The Accident That Led Me To The World is an all-acoustic, non-percussive chamber folk trio from Massachusetts. The name was derived from a song that band member Mark Mandeville (guitar, banjo, vocals) wrote called "The Accident That Led Me To The World," which he then elaborated into the concept of an allegorical narrative involving a boy who sails away to an island to be alone. From this concept sprung an entire album's worth of songs, and Mandeville incorporated Raianne Richards (guitar, clarinet, vocals) and Zack Ciras (upright bass) to flesh out the material.
The result was the eponymous 2006 debut released on Nobody's Favorite Records, an angular, concise mixture of bluegrass picking, sea chantey sing-a-longs, and folk singer-songwriting. This release was followed by 2008's The Island Gospel, more expansive, more focused, and more lyrical than its predecessor, and which also travels a more country-driven direction. The Island Gospel also continues the allegorical narrative concept that was begun on the first album, and both albums feature artwork which illustrates the narrative.
"Basically, not enough indie bands today take the time to get folk and country songwriting right, but that ain’t the case with The Accident That Led Me To The World..." (RetroLoFi, April 2008) Read more...
"There are moments, whilst listening to the fragile masterpiece that is “Nervous Hands,” that you become so in tune with the record, so absorbed that you basically hanging on every last strum or hushed vocal utterance that you wonder what else this band might be capable of in the future." (Americana UK, May 2008) Read more...
"...the musical equivalent of a vignette; graceful sketches that are clear despite their conciseness. The results are nothing short of alluring." (Sound As Language, June 2008) Read more...
Music video for "The Island Gospel"
Recorded by TATLMTTW & Edited by Jeff Garceau
The Accident That Led Me To The World's Friend Space (Top 16)
The Accident That Led Me To The World has 3383 friends.
What is better than philosophically tackling The Accident That Led Me to The World, The Starving Artist Collective's one-year anniversary, AND the black Baptist church--all in one piece? I'm not sure--simultaneous sex and mangos, perhaps. All I know is, I did it, I'm damn proud of it, and you should read it. On newsstands today.
Hey there Accidental guys and girls, Hope you're doing well and halloween was great for all of you. Come on out to NB and check out what the showcase is all about this coming Friday the 6th. We're sure you'll like it. If nothing else you should check out Joy Kills Sorrow. Hope to catch you sometime soon, WCS
I've been listening to your first album all week. I can't say enough about how wonderful this disc is. On a personal note, it's inspiring for me. It's great to see you doing what you love!
I will be making a point to see one of your next live perfomances.
Rock it tomorrow night at the Starving Artist space, loves! I wish that I could be there, but alas, I'll be in Greenfield, Mass., acting as press at Wormtown Music and Arts Festival.
(Single tear.)
But of course, in your case, I suppose you wouldn't be "rocking" it out. More like quietly and thoughfully folkin' it up.
