The Follow

The Follow have dubbed their sound "panoramic rock," and they embrace all the implications of such a designation on their latest effort. Pink Floyd and U2 are obvious touchstones, but the trio simultaneously manage to sound out of their time and timeless all at once. Various points throughout "Building Machines ... " revisit the shimmering synths of ‘80s pop, recall the softer side of ‘90s icons Smashing Pumpkins, return to themes of alienation and technological advancement explored by Radiohead over the last decade and remind the listener that The Follow possess 21st-century ambition.

Epic is perhaps the most fitting superlative and summary for the band's approach. Over the course of 12 tracks, their sound ascends and bends and expands into something that's atmospheric, accessible, melodic and determined. There is so much sound being produced, so many nuanced notes, such a tapestry of sonic threads that it would be easy to forget there are but three people ultimately responsible for all these moving parts.

Perhaps the best track on the album is "Broken Parts Will Heal"; more melodic, in both its vocal and guitar phrases, than any song has a right to be. The track has a great deal of heart and resonance. Other standouts include "Longing" – another great blend of acoustic and electric – and "For Always," a forward-moving piece of power pop with, yet again, an infectious melody and really star vocal turn from Troy Rickertsen. - Columbia Daily Tribune

The Follow have dubbed their sound "panoramic rock," and they embrace all the implications of such a designation on their latest effort. Pink Floyd and U2 are obvious touchstones, but the trio simultaneously manage to sound out of their time and timeless all at once. Various points throughout "Building Machines ... " revisit the shimmering synths of ‘80s pop, recall the softer side of ‘90s icons Smashing Pumpkins, return to themes of alienation and technological advancement explored by Radiohead over the last decade and remind the listener that The Follow possess 21st-century ambition.

Epic is perhaps the most fitting superlative and summary for the band's approach. Over the course of 12 tracks, their sound ascends and bends and expands into something that's atmospheric, accessible, melodic and determined. There is so much sound being produced, so many nuanced notes, such a tapestry of sonic threads that it would be easy to forget there are but three people ultimately responsible for all these moving parts.

Perhaps the best track on the album is "Broken Parts Will Heal"; more melodic, in both its vocal and guitar phrases, than any song has a right to be. The track has a great deal of heart and resonance. Other standouts include "Longing" – another great blend of acoustic and electric – and "For Always," a forward-moving piece of power pop with, yet again, an infectious melody and really star vocal turn from Troy Rickertsen. - Columbia Daily Tribune

Press Release to Syndicated Stations (no article)

This melodic rock outfit fits in the same category as Keane and Snow Patrol.

April 18th, 2006 by Max Krasny of Westwood One – Los Angeles, CA



The Follow Leads

The band blends guitar hooks, rock grooves, hints of electronica and spiritual undertones to create a sound that’s been embraced by a host of commercial rock radio stations. That sound reflects the band’s influences, which range from U2 and Coldplay to Tears for Fears and Peter Gabriel.

February 2nd, 2006 by Staff Writer for Go! Magazine - Columbia, MO



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

You’ve got standard fare jangly, glistening guitars, layers of vocal harmony and hook after hook after bloody hook throughout the record. “Smile Like Heaven” harkens back to “Joshua Tree” era U2 with its crisp, melodic guitar lead, up tempo feel and soaring harmonies. The infectiously danceable “Somewhere Else”—with it’s shimmering guitars/synths, lilting harmonies and dead sharp hook—could have easily been a hit from classic John Huston movies like “Pretty in Pink” or “The Breakfast Club,” which makes sense, given the band’s clear and admitted influences of Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs and The Church.

March 18th, 2006 by Bob M of SoundsXP - England, UK



Sound Advice: The Follow – Up With The Sun

“Million” and “I Won’t Change” provide some sweet listening through the satisfying blend of vocals with instrumental breaks and catchy lyrics.

April 6th, 2006 by Lisa Korte of Vox Magazine - Columbia, MO



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

This is music to start the next phase of your life to. Calm, breezy and definitely moody…you’ll start to chill on the hyper-energized music

March 18th, 2006 by staff writer for Pen Cap Chew - Detroit, MI



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

The Follow guide and revive through a journey on Up With The Sun, an album that awakens kindred spirits and untangles any potential breech of morning. [It] rejoices respectively in the vein of Collective Soul and Shaking Tree with its power poptronics and acoustic intentions. Rickertsen’s gruff vocals resemble a cross between Ed Roland and Dain Estes throughout “Sing,” while “In Your Eyes” cranks revelation and “Strength Beyond Words” dawns the melodic mission to illustrate the album’s core. Up With The Sun smiles without premonition, glancing back at you as it paves a road as far as you’re willing to venture.

February 22nd, 2006 by Pauline Pechin for TheTripwire – New York, NY



Grounded Gathering: Earth Day celebration puts musicians center stage with a message
The Follow demonstrates a refined pop sense with solid song craft. The band’s spirituality and faith guides their writing, but they’re never overbearing or preachy.

April 16, 2006 by Seth Ashley; Ovation – Columbia, MO



Local Trio Fuses Rock and Techno

The music is unique and upbeat and is the album’s true strongpoint. The uniqueness of the joy heard in the music gives Up With The Sun a refreshing feel in a world of rock bands that sound depressed or full of rage. The Follow mixes the sound of feel-good guitars, techno-pop grooves and unique-sounding vocals to give Up With The Sun its own original sound.

November 11th, 2005 by Meg Walsh for The Maneater – Columbia, MO

===================


“... moody and mesmerizing most of the time, but
occasionally The Follow break out a potentially friendly
radio megahit.” - The Pitch Weekly

“ Up With the Sun, demonstrates some of the rock group’s
greatest strengths... The Follow mixes the sound of feelgood
guitars, techno-pop grooves and unique-sounding
vocals to give Up With The Sun its own original sound.”
- The Maneater

“‘Million’ and ‘I Won’t Change’ provide some sweet
listening through the satisfying blend of vocals with
instrumental breaks and catchy lyrics.” - Vox

“The Follow's ambient blanket of sound draws its
influences from other thought-provoking artists like U2,
Pink Floyd, and The Church. With guitars pumped
through swirling delay and chorus effects, distorted bass
lines, and the DrumKat machine that sits to the left of
Mat's hi-hat, The Follow blends elements of acoustic
instruments with popular sounds of electronic music.”
- Loud Neighbor Magazine

“A cascading wall of sound and pop harmonies describes
The Follow; Guitar drenched melodies, pounding
rhythms,and powerful vocals fuel this Columbia, MO trio.”
- The Blue Note Calendar

“... a tidal wave of sound that build around ambient
melodies and soulful lyrics.” - The Missourian

“The Follow's waves overtook me and pulled me to the
stage like a tractor beam.” - Grace Notes - Various

Press Release to Syndicated Stations (no article)

This melodic rock outfit fits in the same category as Keane and Snow Patrol.

April 18th, 2006 by Max Krasny of Westwood One – Los Angeles, CA



The Follow Leads

The band blends guitar hooks, rock grooves, hints of electronica and spiritual undertones to create a sound that’s been embraced by a host of commercial rock radio stations. That sound reflects the band’s influences, which range from U2 and Coldplay to Tears for Fears and Peter Gabriel.

February 2nd, 2006 by Staff Writer for Go! Magazine - Columbia, MO



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

You’ve got standard fare jangly, glistening guitars, layers of vocal harmony and hook after hook after bloody hook throughout the record. “Smile Like Heaven” harkens back to “Joshua Tree” era U2 with its crisp, melodic guitar lead, up tempo feel and soaring harmonies. The infectiously danceable “Somewhere Else”—with it’s shimmering guitars/synths, lilting harmonies and dead sharp hook—could have easily been a hit from classic John Huston movies like “Pretty in Pink” or “The Breakfast Club,” which makes sense, given the band’s clear and admitted influences of Simple Minds, The Psychedelic Furs and The Church.

March 18th, 2006 by Bob M of SoundsXP - England, UK



Sound Advice: The Follow – Up With The Sun

“Million” and “I Won’t Change” provide some sweet listening through the satisfying blend of vocals with instrumental breaks and catchy lyrics.

April 6th, 2006 by Lisa Korte of Vox Magazine - Columbia, MO



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

This is music to start the next phase of your life to. Calm, breezy and definitely moody…you’ll start to chill on the hyper-energized music

March 18th, 2006 by staff writer for Pen Cap Chew - Detroit, MI



The Follow “Up With The Sun” CD Review

The Follow guide and revive through a journey on Up With The Sun, an album that awakens kindred spirits and untangles any potential breech of morning. [It] rejoices respectively in the vein of Collective Soul and Shaking Tree with its power poptronics and acoustic intentions. Rickertsen’s gruff vocals resemble a cross between Ed Roland and Dain Estes throughout “Sing,” while “In Your Eyes” cranks revelation and “Strength Beyond Words” dawns the melodic mission to illustrate the album’s core. Up With The Sun smiles without premonition, glancing back at you as it paves a road as far as you’re willing to venture.

February 22nd, 2006 by Pauline Pechin for TheTripwire – New York, NY



Grounded Gathering: Earth Day celebration puts musicians center stage with a message
The Follow demonstrates a refined pop sense with solid song craft. The band’s spirituality and faith guides their writing, but they’re never overbearing or preachy.

April 16, 2006 by Seth Ashley; Ovation – Columbia, MO



Local Trio Fuses Rock and Techno

The music is unique and upbeat and is the album’s true strongpoint. The uniqueness of the joy heard in the music gives Up With The Sun a refreshing feel in a world of rock bands that sound depressed or full of rage. The Follow mixes the sound of feel-good guitars, techno-pop grooves and unique-sounding vocals to give Up With The Sun its own original sound.

November 11th, 2005 by Meg Walsh for The Maneater – Columbia, MO

===================


“... moody and mesmerizing most of the time, but
occasionally The Follow break out a potentially friendly
radio megahit.” - The Pitch Weekly

“ Up With the Sun, demonstrates some of the rock group’s
greatest strengths... The Follow mixes the sound of feelgood
guitars, techno-pop grooves and unique-sounding
vocals to give Up With The Sun its own original sound.”
- The Maneater

“‘Million’ and ‘I Won’t Change’ provide some sweet
listening through the satisfying blend of vocals with
instrumental breaks and catchy lyrics.” - Vox

“The Follow's ambient blanket of sound draws its
influences from other thought-provoking artists like U2,
Pink Floyd, and The Church. With guitars pumped
through swirling delay and chorus effects, distorted bass
lines, and the DrumKat machine that sits to the left of
Mat's hi-hat, The Follow blends elements of acoustic
instruments with popular sounds of electronic music.”
- Loud Neighbor Magazine

“A cascading wall of sound and pop harmonies describes
The Follow; Guitar drenched melodies, pounding
rhythms,and powerful vocals fuel this Columbia, MO trio.”
- The Blue Note Calendar

“... a tidal wave of sound that build around ambient
melodies and soulful lyrics.” - The Missourian

“The Follow's waves overtook me and pulled me to the
stage like a tractor beam.” - Grace Notes - Various

From the epicenter of Heartland USA, The Follow unleashes its seventh studio album, approximately two years after the release of “Mixtures – The Remixes” and a live concert film. The band achieved international recognition during this time, and its style continues to capture the soul of true alternative rockers. With lyrics that bridge the generations, The Follow’s new album “Building Machines to Reach the Stars” speaks to a world wrought with change, seeking direction and relevance in life and love. In their new album, the trio takes new strides pushing their alternative sounds to a new realm.

The band is the collective genius of three talented musicians: vocalist/guitarist Troy Rickertsen, vocalist/bassist Amy Rickertsen and drummer Mat Matlack, and together their sound assimilates the smooth grooves of contemporary artists like Snow Patrol and Coldplay with classic alternative grooves from the members’ eighties/nineties heroes, who reinvented rock during a time when new genres came to the forefront. The Follow’s balance of instrumentation and solidly crafted lyrics blend seamlessly together to create an intelligent beat that melds authenticity in lyrics with a driving propensity to inspire and engage listeners throughout the entire album. The Follow delivers on this album an experience that is both laced with surreal experimentation, and grounded in traditional roots of the new classic rock era. The Follow is no stranger to live performance, having their way amidst huge flocks of fans, an escalating audience base that began in the college circuit and has since enamored international listeners as well. Yet, the trio also speaks to the individual, so plug in your headsets and be prepared to elevate your senses as you attend to this conceptually themed album.

“From the Clouds Came a Lion” brings to mind the operatic Floyd sounds, as this tune clearly meshes the past to the present – and intersects the decades between. The weight of the layered instrumentation gives strength to the vocals, beckoning us to follow on through the album, drifting from song to song in U2 utopian ambient fashion. “Where It All Began” pops with vigor, while letting the driving force of these talented vocalists and musicians play to their strengths. You can hear the deepening maturity in their performances, compared to their previous albums. “Unconditional” reiterates the album’s title, and opens with, “I could build machines to reach the stars. It’s nothing without you.” Who is this band, who can express love and life so elegantly? Their new polish is not trite, rather raw perfection showcasing their compositional and lyrical growth. “Where Have We Gone” is a social commentary that is probably the best evidence to their maturity. The track arrangements are pensive, powerful and well-engineered. Call it cyber-alternative, a sonic romance between the art and technology of instrumentation and the human spirit. That is well expressed in “For Always” and “Circuits” bringing to mind the familiar sounds of the neo-psychedelia eighties band The Church. “Longing” might just become The Follow’s standing invitation: “You take me places I thought I could never go. You lead me where I always long to be – with you.”

The Follow – join them in this musical excursion of pulsating emotion and timeless wisdom.

Story By Sonicity Fitzroy
[journalist, book author, radio deejay, & media professor] - Sonicity Fitzroy

From the epicenter of Heartland USA, The Follow unleashes its seventh studio album, approximately two years after the release of “Mixtures – The Remixes” and a live concert film. The band achieved international recognition during this time, and its style continues to capture the soul of true alternative rockers. With lyrics that bridge the generations, The Follow’s new album “Building Machines to Reach the Stars” speaks to a world wrought with change, seeking direction and relevance in life and love. In their new album, the trio takes new strides pushing their alternative sounds to a new realm.

The band is the collective genius of three talented musicians: vocalist/guitarist Troy Rickertsen, vocalist/bassist Amy Rickertsen and drummer Mat Matlack, and together their sound assimilates the smooth grooves of contemporary artists like Snow Patrol and Coldplay with classic alternative grooves from the members’ eighties/nineties heroes, who reinvented rock during a time when new genres came to the forefront. The Follow’s balance of instrumentation and solidly crafted lyrics blend seamlessly together to create an intelligent beat that melds authenticity in lyrics with a driving propensity to inspire and engage listeners throughout the entire album. The Follow delivers on this album an experience that is both laced with surreal experimentation, and grounded in traditional roots of the new classic rock era. The Follow is no stranger to live performance, having their way amidst huge flocks of fans, an escalating audience base that began in the college circuit and has since enamored international listeners as well. Yet, the trio also speaks to the individual, so plug in your headsets and be prepared to elevate your senses as you attend to this conceptually themed album.

“From the Clouds Came a Lion” brings to mind the operatic Floyd sounds, as this tune clearly meshes the past to the present – and intersects the decades between. The weight of the layered instrumentation gives strength to the vocals, beckoning us to follow on through the album, drifting from song to song in U2 utopian ambient fashion. “Where It All Began” pops with vigor, while letting the driving force of these talented vocalists and musicians play to their strengths. You can hear the deepening maturity in their performances, compared to their previous albums. “Unconditional” reiterates the album’s title, and opens with, “I could build machines to reach the stars. It’s nothing without you.” Who is this band, who can express love and life so elegantly? Their new polish is not trite, rather raw perfection showcasing their compositional and lyrical growth. “Where Have We Gone” is a social commentary that is probably the best evidence to their maturity. The track arrangements are pensive, powerful and well-engineered. Call it cyber-alternative, a sonic romance between the art and technology of instrumentation and the human spirit. That is well expressed in “For Always” and “Circuits” bringing to mind the familiar sounds of the neo-psychedelia eighties band The Church. “Longing” might just become The Follow’s standing invitation: “You take me places I thought I could never go. You lead me where I always long to be – with you.”

The Follow – join them in this musical excursion of pulsating emotion and timeless wisdom.

Story By Sonicity Fitzroy
[journalist, book author, radio deejay, & media professor] - Sonicity Fitzroy

COLUMBIA, MO - Oni recording artists THE FOLLOW are gearing up to release their fourth studio album, Up With the Sun nationally on April 18, 2006. A continuation down the melodic pop rock path they started in 1992 with their debut Seveneverend, this album is the culmination of the last few years of hard work, endless touring, and relentlessly striving to perfect their tight songwriting without compromising who they are and what they’re about. “I've put everything I have into this record,” said vocalist/guitarist Troy Rickertsen. “I'm appreciative of what we’ve got. I'm really happy with it.”

Sporting chiming guitars and a propulsive rhythm section that drives you along and pushes you forward, The Follow mine deep within the trenches of alt.pop and pull together an epic, spacious sound that hearkens such luminaries as the Psychedelic Furs, Snow Patrol, Simple Minds and Keane. Oozing atmospheric pop songs thickly studded with soaring vocals, their latest album Up With the Sun is a primo batch of arresting gems, including the ringing "Heart of Joy", that hits you in the gut and wrenches your heart from your chest. Recalling the rolling majesty of U2’s“Bad” and Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound”, the first single “Anything at All” is a perfect slice of majestic pop, with ringing guitars and a surging chorus that ebbs and flows. The lilting “Million” is a hit waiting in the wings, instantly singable and infectious. “‘Million’ is up there with one of my favorite songs,” said Mat Matlack. “It has been part of our live show for a few years and it just has some kind of dynamic pull to it. It draws you in and pulls you in the song. I love that.” Adds Amy Rickertsen (bass/fatar), “that song has tremendous meaning to me as well since it was used at my wedding [to Troy]. I am so happy it made it onto an album. We've been playing it out for a long time.”

Self-recorded and produced at Oni Studios in Moberly, MO, Up with the Sun is ready to be unleashed to the masses. “We put our everything into this album,” explained Mat. “I’ve had this record in my head for years I think. I feel that we ended up with an album full of singles that blend melody and dance vibes into rock and roll. That was our goal.” The Follow will be touring nationally in the Spring and Summer 2006. Up With the Sun will be released April 18, 2006. “I just want to play,” concludes Amy. “I want to meet new people... see them out singing along when we’re playing live... and hear what they read into our songs.” With this album, that dream might happen sooner than she thinks.
- The Reybee Times

COLUMBIA, MO - Oni recording artists THE FOLLOW are gearing up to release their fourth studio album, Up With the Sun nationally on April 18, 2006. A continuation down the melodic pop rock path they started in 1992 with their debut Seveneverend, this album is the culmination of the last few years of hard work, endless touring, and relentlessly striving to perfect their tight songwriting without compromising who they are and what they’re about. “I've put everything I have into this record,” said vocalist/guitarist Troy Rickertsen. “I'm appreciative of what we’ve got. I'm really happy with it.”

Sporting chiming guitars and a propulsive rhythm section that drives you along and pushes you forward, The Follow mine deep within the trenches of alt.pop and pull together an epic, spacious sound that hearkens such luminaries as the Psychedelic Furs, Snow Patrol, Simple Minds and Keane. Oozing atmospheric pop songs thickly studded with soaring vocals, their latest album Up With the Sun is a primo batch of arresting gems, including the ringing "Heart of Joy", that hits you in the gut and wrenches your heart from your chest. Recalling the rolling majesty of U2’s“Bad” and Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound”, the first single “Anything at All” is a perfect slice of majestic pop, with ringing guitars and a surging chorus that ebbs and flows. The lilting “Million” is a hit waiting in the wings, instantly singable and infectious. “‘Million’ is up there with one of my favorite songs,” said Mat Matlack. “It has been part of our live show for a few years and it just has some kind of dynamic pull to it. It draws you in and pulls you in the song. I love that.” Adds Amy Rickertsen (bass/fatar), “that song has tremendous meaning to me as well since it was used at my wedding [to Troy]. I am so happy it made it onto an album. We've been playing it out for a long time.”

Self-recorded and produced at Oni Studios in Moberly, MO, Up with the Sun is ready to be unleashed to the masses. “We put our everything into this album,” explained Mat. “I’ve had this record in my head for years I think. I feel that we ended up with an album full of singles that blend melody and dance vibes into rock and roll. That was our goal.” The Follow will be touring nationally in the Spring and Summer 2006. Up With the Sun will be released April 18, 2006. “I just want to play,” concludes Amy. “I want to meet new people... see them out singing along when we’re playing live... and hear what they read into our songs.” With this album, that dream might happen sooner than she thinks.
- The Reybee Times

CD101 - WWCD Radio
Jack DeVoss
"Exactly what Modern Rock radio needs!"

93X - KNSX Radio
Ruth Choate
"We’re not playing The Follow because they’re a Regional band. For us, it’s because their music stands up to all of the Major Label music coming across my desk."

102.3 BXR - KBXR Radio
Simon Rose
"Power Pop tends to be an overused term to describe many bands, but with their mix of excellent melodies, great songwriting, guitar driven hooks and great bass lines, The Follow fit the description."
- Various

CD101 - WWCD Radio
Jack DeVoss
"Exactly what Modern Rock radio needs!"

93X - KNSX Radio
Ruth Choate
"We’re not playing The Follow because they’re a Regional band. For us, it’s because their music stands up to all of the Major Label music coming across my desk."

102.3 BXR - KBXR Radio
Simon Rose
"Power Pop tends to be an overused term to describe many bands, but with their mix of excellent melodies, great songwriting, guitar driven hooks and great bass lines, The Follow fit the description."
- Various