Dylan Champagne and the Lost Explorers

Though his wistful vulnerability might cast Dylan Champagne as just another sensitive guy with guitar, his “New Equation” (Broke In Oakland BIO 0005) busts the stereotype to reveal a formidable and multi-faceted talent. Sensitive, sure. Dark and moody certainly. But for every moment where you envision the singer hunched over a beat-up acoustic guitar in his darkened bedroom, there are the luminescent moments of literate, even philosophical brilliance, deliciously-crafted hooks, and musical surprises ranging from the country-rock shamble of “The Majestic” to the prog punch of “Junk Parts”. Champagne keeps the art of the album alive and kicking in this cohesive and compelling set of 9 songs. - Myles Boisen

Whole generations of teen poets have tried to attain the degree of palpable angst that’s balled into the opening track of Dylan Champagne’s new album. - East Bay Express

Dylan is full of self-deprecating witticisms, bemoaning “living his life in parantheticals” and saying he’s “no livewire… just a filament”.

This is insecure self-reflection made listenable and even uplifting, stirring similar emotions to Arcade Fire‘s Neon Bible. - Listen Before You Buy

“What stands out immediately is the energy contained within every track, each as lyrically intense as they are musically complex. It is proof – and proof could be said to be needed – that contemporary punk can be more than a directionless knee-jerk lashing out at the world and that folk can convey more than mere simple stories.” - Old Fridges Can Kill

"... New Equation comes across as a piece unraveling with exhaustive life, thirsting for decompression, and scouring other strange and venomous places the mind goes to after 4 a.m."

- Parasites and Sycophants

"... an album full of stories of change, the scars of ripping away, and the slow process of healing . . . riveting and starkly honest."
- What to Wear During an Orange Alert

"New Equation is as beautiful as it is strange, and after an initial listen I couldn't help but listen to it more and more."
- The Run-Off Groove 214

"...not everyone can record a full-length, debut solo album in his basement and expect it to go well; perhaps this is why the success Champagne has met is nothing short of astounding. New Equation is beautifully, darkly acoustic, embracing a lush, powerful sound that never gets too dense. The tasteful array of instruments mourn together as they sing dismally through nine tracks, whose themes include helplessness, unwanted change, feeling trapped, and giving up... Most every track on the album contains remarkably depressing yet poetic lyrics... Champagne is talented. While his sound indubitably varies from that of One Step Shift, it's up to the band's long-time fans to decide whether his new direction is a change to be thankful for. The rest of you should just check out this album."
- 30music.com

After growing up punk in San Francisco, then fronting Oakland math-rock act One Step Shift for eight years, Dylan Champagne descended to his basement for some do-it-yourself, acoustic solo recording. He's naturally adept at low volumes and his new work holds considerable promise. —June 18, 2008 Nate Seltenrich (East Bay Express) - Nate Seltenrich (East Bay Express)

After growing up punk in San Francisco, then fronting Oakland math-rock act One Step Shift for eight years, Dylan Champagne descended to his basement for some do-it-yourself, acoustic solo recording. He's naturally adept at low volumes and his new work holds considerable promise. —June 18, 2008 Nate Seltenrich (East Bay Express) - Nate Seltenrich (East Bay Express)