Music
Press
"Like old Modest Mouse (and especially like certain tracks on Good News), Rook compound already melancholy sounds (like slow strings, for example) with those sharp pangs to create a sound that is once inviting and seemingly haunted." - John Michael Casseta
These songs are verrrrrry F-in gooooood! - sent to the e-mail of producer Butch Vig (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins) - Jeff Castelaz (CEO of Dangerbird Records)
We caught up with Austin-based multi-genre band Rook. Having seen a few of their shows in the past couple month, they seemed like a perfect way to re-introduce our Featured Artist section. All three members are multi-talented and bring their considerable skills to bear. Their live shows are full of energy, dynamic change, surprises, and humor. The three are polished performers and musicians and it is always a joy to catch their show.
more @ http://www.twogroove.com/blog/featured-artist-rook/ - TwoGroove.com
"Rook pleasantly surprised me. These guys were awesome! Were have they been hiding? Or where have I been hiding." - Episode Phive
Discography
The outfit currently has a self-titled E.P. for sale at shows, with a release date of January 26th for their DVD/E.P. release. They are also set to jump into the studio in January of 2009 with Danny Kalb (Ben Harper, Dust Brothers, Where the Wild Thing Are Soundtrack) for their debut L.P.
Currently they have 2 songs that have received radio airplay in northeastern markets of the U.S.A.
"Rejoicing" and "Sleep Sweetly"
Photos
Bio
Upon the conclusion of a typical "Rook" set, you will hear people exclaiming things like, "Boy, does that kid have some pipes!" or "that trumpet player is cute!", or even "Haven't I seen that bass player in porn before?". The reality behind Rook is that they are quickly taking the Austin, TX scene by force and seizing the opportunity to win over fans with an unpretentious demeanor and sincerity. They are a breath of fresh air in a scene that yearns the transition from "fashion show" to "potluck."
Frontman, Timmie Rook, whom boasts a "one of a kind" vocal talent, hails from the Pennsylvanian city of Allentown, made infamous by the Billy Joel song of the same name. He trekked down south in search of a far cry from vacant steel mills and cracked pavement and settled for the artists haven of sunny Austin, TX. It is there where he would find the multi-talented Nick Floyd (Bob Floyd Band, Mesamora), and bassist extraordinaire, Casey Elsass (Perigee, ShPank!), via the wonders of 'craigslist.' Hardly a glamourous engine of folklore, but at least they all have met their girlfriends in "real life." Joined by DJ Rhythmic on the 1's and 2's, the amazing african hand drumming styles of Michael Olsen, and the unyielding talents of brothers Nick (Soundfield) and Ben Balleza on horns, the seven have forged a musical language made evident by the original material that seems to instantly ooze out of their collective brain.
The outfit currently has a self-titled E.P. for sale at shows, with a release date of January 26th for their DVD/E.P. release. They are also set to jump into the studio in January of 2009 with Danny Kalb (Ben Harper, Dust Brothers, Where the Wild Thing Are Soundtrack) for their debut L.P.
Links
