Echoing riffs pound to an abrupt halt as a climbing bass line echoes the conclusion of "Star Tanning". Reminiscent of that final summer of freedom, "Star Tanning" paints a portrait of innocence on the cusp of extinction as two friends enjoy a final night together on a fiery beach. This mid-summer's night sky creates the perfect scene with which to centre the pop-inspired funky sound and energy of Telfer.
Resting on the shoulders of four talented New Brunswick-bred musicians, Telfer was birthed from the creative mind of Tommy Green Jr. (lead vocals, guitar) in 2003. The front man fostered the sound with the tight drum lines of Matt Piper (drums, backing vocals) through the coffeehouse circuit in the Carleton County region, later adding the intricate guitar skills of Bobby McIsaac (lead guitar) to balance the duo. Now based in Halifax, the group found the missing piece with the addition of funk-specialist Jon Goud (bass, vocals), helping to solidify the ever-growing Telfer sound. The musicianship of these artists, combined with Green's expressive lyrics and undeniable ability to perform, has propelled the band from a coffeehouse duo to the energetic and engaging quartet seen on stage across Atlantic Canada today.
In 2007, after forming this final version of the group, Telfer hit the studios to record their 5-track, self-titled, demo EP with Halifax's Matt Miller (Liquid Digital). All songs were written by Tommy Green Jr. with the exception of "Right on Time", in which Green teamed up with temporary bassist Joe Frigault to complete. Final arrangement for the EP was completed by all members of the band drawing on on influences from many different genres to help hone the final result.
Tight musicianship and pop-inspired funk beats have been the capstone to the Telfer sound. The EP slowly builds to that "Star Tanning" setting with the contrasting "what-if" scenario of "The Half Song". Leaving a sense of anxious waiting, "The Half Song" smoothly delivers the intricacies of Telfer's songwriting. The EP is capped on both ends by the transcending riffs and drum lines of "Firefly" and "Right on Time", bringing to light the maturing sounds of Telfer as heard in their newest additions such as "Heaven Sent" and "Brother, Sister". Each song off the EP points from the inside out, showing a perspective of playful insight ina world of fading innocence as we strive to make light of our worries and "Live the Day" away.
Aaaaaahhh Telfer! What's the big idea? We're coming all the way out there to play again, and you're out of town? Damn... We're playing Liverpool on the 19th and Halifax on the 21st, maybe we can meet up in Hali on the 20th...
I saw you guys earlier this year when you came to play at Mount A!! You guys put on a great show!! I'm originally from Dartmouth so if I'm ever down in the city when you guys have a show I'll definitely stop in :)
Hey Bob are you coming home at Christmas? If so we should jam around and I need someone to show me how to set up my strat if you have the time. Thanks and good luck with Telfer you guys are getting better all the time. -Peace
