Algernon:

Algernon is the pioneer of the "Neopsychadelicpostrock" sound. Algernon's music can be described as the soundtrack to robot dreams. The instruments emit natural and modified elements that blend together to create metalorganic soundscapes.

Fostering an atmosphere that relies on composition and a larger sonic palette, Algernon creates a fusion of indie rock, jazz, and classical chamber music. The effect is that of a distinctly modern band, providing musical clues to our modern landscape. In the process, Algernon engulfs the listener in an entirely different world of its own making. With combined experience in genres from jazz to hard rock, from punk to classical, the band is well equipped to deliver on the promise.

Listening to their 2004 debut album, Charlie Changed His Mind (which then 21 year old Dave Miller (Ted Sirota’s Rebel Souls) conceived of in just one week), or one of the band's fiery live performances, one is run through the entire human experience: joy, sadness, passion, exhilaration. You won't walk away the same or be likely to forget what you've heard.

Fast Forward to 2007…with only two days in the studio, Algernon has now finished their new album, Familiar Espionage, direct to analog tape. This new set of music finds the band pushing the compositional aspect of their music to exhilarating new heights. Breathtaking melodies, jazz-tinged harmonies, and cacophonous noise-scapes make the new record a milestone in the career of this young group of musicians.

In short, the band can't be summed up neatly. Algernon simply rocks too hard to be considered jazz, and they play with too much finesse and sheer musical ability to be called just another rock band. In a time of lowered musical expectations, Algernon is a breath of fresh air. They don't simply wish to play songs: They are here to turn your entire world upside down.

Members:

Dave Miller - guitar

Nick Fryer - guitar

Katie Wiegman - vibes

Dr. Pants - bass

Cory Healey - drums

 

::: audio samples ::: "remix" (of Familiar Espionage record) :::

Discography: Charlie Changed His Mind (2004); Familiar Espionage (ee:o7-008)

Links: (algernonmusic.com) (myspace)

PRESS:

"...tautly composed lines and detailed, surprisingly delicate arrangements butt up against raucous free improvisation and splashy electronics."
"Algernon’s forthcoming second album have a definite post-rock feel, but Miller pushes them into jazzier territory—all the while avoiding anything that sounds like a traditional jazz solo." --Neil Tesser, Chicago Reader, Dec. 6, 2007

"Alt-rock genius...Algernon is a rock band whose guitar-and-vibraphone plot twists relish in static climaxes and bass that quivers for days. It’s a layered, space-age soundtrack for postmodern groove...A pretty damn good rock show."
--Lisa Balde, Beep Magazine, Feb. 7, 2007 (read the whole review)

"...underrated post rock outfit..." --Flavorpill, issue #125

"Like fellow guitarists Jeff Parker and Fareed Haque, Dave Miller, 24, thinks beyond a single genre...bellowing his way out of the local fringe and into the big time."
--Mark Loehrke, Chicago Magazine, Nov. 2006

"...guitarist Dave Miller has been burning this past year in live performances, chicken-scratching like Ernest Ranglin and wailing like Pat Metheny." --TimeOut, May 2006

"Watch out for Dave Miller. This guy's got ears, time, chops, tone, and swing--an intelligent, thoughtful musician with a truly open mind. Watch out for Dave Miller..."
--Fareed Haque (Garaj Mahal, Sting, Joe Zawinul, Joe Henderson)

"Very heavy and musical compositions." --Jeff Parker (Tortoise, Isotope 217, Chicago Underground, Joshua Redman)