The band consists of guitarists Paul Ritchie and David Rosen, drummer Sam Bey, bassist Nicholas Villapiano, and vocalist Mark Melicia. Formed in 2004 in Red Bank, New Jersey, the group performed with great frequency around home and in nearby New York City. They self released an album shortly after, recorded at home in Red Bank. The music coupled with frantic live shows led to Roadrunner signing the band in the summer of 2007.
Their Roadrunner Records debut, And You Were A Crow, hits stores May 6, 2008. It is composed of 12 songs, ranging from the machine like aggression of “My Favorite Heart To Break” to the loose, acoustic driven “Can’t Keep No Good Boy Down”; from the anthemic “Hard Times” to “Angry Young Girl”, with it’s haunting vocals and ghostly guitars. “Tide of Tears” is dark and heavy, carrying the listener through nearly nine minutes. The band touches all extremes and everywhere in between, while maintaining their unique identity. One standout track, “When I Was An Orphan,” seems to cover that ground from start to finish, in a cinematic style.
The Parlor Mob recorded And You Were a Crow with producer Jacquire King (Tom Waits, Kings of Leon, Modest Mouse) in the fall of 2007. Relocating to Asheville, North Carolina, they brought the songs to life at Echo Mountain Recording studio. Jacquire lived with the band for the entire 5 weeks of recording, becoming essentially a 6th band member. He became very emotionally invested in the project. His careful ear and impeccable taste helped hone the band in to make the record they all wanted to make. Their respect and gratitude towards Jacquire is immediately apparent upon speaking to the band.
While writing, the band pays close attention to detail. Each element functions as a piece of a larger theme. The record as a whole reflects this, and smaller nuances come more into focus with each listen, contributing to the experience.
Onstage, The Parlor Mob have developed beyond any comparison. They perform the songs on their record without binding to convention, and without regard to perfection or even to the constraints of generic sound. Highs shriek, lows rumble, and no matter the size of the venue, rooms rattle. People stop what they’re doing and watch. It is truly a sight to be seen.
In the end, The Parlor Mob consider themselves to be very simply a rock and roll band. They eschew convention and boundaries in favor of pushing the envelope. They enjoy the freedom of making rock music, and take full advantage of the inherent rights it gives the artist to do anything that they want. They look towards the future.
many thanks for adding me, chaps... an article in 'Classic Rock' brought you to my attention - investigated further and liked what I heard. AND YOU WERE a CROW is a brilliant album that now lives on my IPod. all best wishes with all your endeavours - current and for the future. take it easy...
Here's a quote I saw today that made me think about the priorities in life;
"Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air. You name them - work, family, health, friends, and spirit - and you're keeping all of these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls - family, health, friends, and spirit are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered...You must understand that and strive for balance in your life."~Brian Dyson
I hope that you have been able to keep things balanced, I am trying harder to! ROCK ON! Karen :)
I keep re-visiting in hopes of a Vancouver show. Am I out of luck this year? Hopefully you'll consider doing one soon.. Live certainly beats my stereo, its a POS.
guess what guys we heard you getting airplay here in Tampa last night. It was on a music channel through the cable company. we were very excited! hope you guys get down here soon. Leslie & Paul from SouthCackalackie
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