CD $10
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Based in the Bay area for much
of the 90's, THE MISSIONARYS blend the talents of three highly-charged
individuals. Guitarist, lead vocalist and song smith ZANE DRAKE is
know to many in the songwriting community for his earthy and intense songs,
and is also recipient of ASCAP's Best Kept Secrets Award. Drake's
evocative brew of Outback rock and Celtic-inspired folk contrasts and combines
with the decidedly Beatles-influenced songwriting of bassist and singer
JOE LAUB, whose writing draws inspiration from the melodies of the
late 60's as well as harmonies of Irish folk music. Rounding out the trio
is PETER STEFFEN KELLY on drums and backing vocals. Kellys brawny
drumming and driving rhythms may also be familiar to alterna-scenesters
for his work with Geffen Record noisemeisters, Pink Noise Test.
In 1992, THE MISSIONARYS joined
forces with LA based Producer/Engineer Eddie Ashworth (Sublime, Pennywise,
dada, Izzy Stradlin) to begin the process of recording the songs that
would become FEAST. For two years the band commuted between San Francisco
and Redondo Beach, laying down tracks in intense, two-day weekend bursts.
The eleven tracks on FEAST steal but never borrow the soundscapes
of bands like Midnight Oil, The Replacements, The Hoodoo Gurus, The Beatles
and The Seers. With their big sky imagery and soaring melodies, the songwriting
talents of Drake and Laub shine brightly on wide-screen alterna-rockers
like "Throw Me a Line", "Strange Lorraine" and
"King of Love" while the band shows a rare feel for understated
drama on "Trail of Tears" and "Oasis".
Featuring guest appearances by
cutting edge musicians Nick Lashley (guitarist for Alanis Morrisette),
Mike Gurley (dada) and Rick Gallego (The Singles). tracks from
FEAST have already caught the ear of modern rockers everywhere, receiving
air play on KLOS-FM and KSCA-FM (Los Angeles) and KSCI-FM
(Tucson) as well as college stations from Humboldt to New England. With
the official release of FEAST on Brujo Records, THE MISSIONARYS
take the time-honored formula of writing brilliant songs, played by a taut
and nervous pop-rock band, and put their own modern and uniquely radio friendly
twist on the proceedings. FEAST is a musical meal listeners will
be digesting for years to come. |