Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
*** You just don't expect acoustic pop of this calibre to come from Montreal. New England college campuses, maybe - venues that helped the local quartet sell out the initial 1,000-copy pressing of this debut during a recent tour. There are four talented melodists at work here, some superb harmonies, and at least two tracks (Border Crossing, Breathing Down) that hint the songwriting could eventually become world-class. [...] A solid live rep suggests Throwback sinks its teeth deeper into the music on stage, and the impressive melodic gifts displayed here have reportedly been sharpened even more since recording.
-Jordan Zivitz - The Gazette
Discography
Misconceptions (EP) - 2003
Border Crossing (LP) - 2004
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Emerging from a Montreal music scene well known for its electronic indie-pop bands, Throwback stands out as a unique export from its Canadian hometown.
With influences drawn from such diverse genres as roots rock, folk, jazz and hip-hop, the foursome's harmony-driven music has put them in the company of other acoustic-based rock greats. Theyre now planning to build on the success that has won over the New England college/prep school circuit. While comparisons have been made to the likes of Guster, Dispatch, Blue Rodeo, G Love, and even CSNY, Throwback has developed its own addictive acoustic pop-rock fuelled by seamless harmonies, a strong instrumental foundation, and innovative percussion.
Throwback was formed in early 2002, when singer/songwriter Erik Lind teamed up with lead guitarist Mike Libis and percussionist Micah Shapiro. The following year saw a steady increase in support for the McGill University trio as they recorded the Misconceptions EP and kept up a regular schedule of shows in and around the Montreal area.
As Throwback moved across the border to play to new and welcoming ears in the United States, audiences continued to be captivated by charismatic songwriting, energy-rich performances, and the endearing level of intimacy the band manages to bring to its fans. "I think the best part of the night for us hanging around after the show. After a few weeks in the van, it helps to meet some new people. We're in a city we've never been to before, we're foreign - but it still feels like home," Lind said.
In early 2003, the original trio welcomed bass player Lisa (Dee) Perusse to the group. Having expanded their sound and potential, Throwback entered the studio in May 2004 to work on their first full-length album. Recording took place at River's Edge Studio, a historic converted church located in the heart of downtown Montreal, with the help of long-time friend and producer Nathan Picklyk. The end result, Border Crossing, was released Aug. 17, 2004. That experience was so different from the earlier studio stuff, Libis said. We took more time, maybe took a few more risks, but it paid off The 14-track album represents a marked progression in musical maturity for Throwback.
The release was supported by a fall tour in the U.S. Over three months, in addition to visiting their habitual north-east stomping grounds, Throwback played to new markets in the midwest and mid-Atlantic United States. They played with popular acts like Virginia Coalition, Zox, Stephen Kellogg & the Sixers, State Radio (feat. Chad from Dispatch) and Speechwriters LLC.
Backed by a solid repertoire of original material, Throwback is tearing up the independent circuit, and continues to expand its ever-growing fan base.
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