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Sunday 31 May 2015

The Quarter After. About time for a return?


I've been listening a lot to The Quarter After's two albums recently. Their exceptional debut album is now 10 years old and the follow up - the psych drenched Notorious Byrd Brothers influenced "Changes Near" came out in 2008.

Since then nothing.

A massive pity as the band, led by brothers Dominic and Rob Campanella, who has worked with Beachwood Sparks, The Tyde, Brian Jonestown Massacre among many others, are one of the finest Psych Amerikana bands of the 21st Century.

Both albums are heavily influenced by the Byrds circa 1966. Which, for me anyway, is no bad thing. And if you love the sound of Mcguinn's 12 string as much as I do, you'll really go for these. The Roger McGuinn and Gene Clarke vocals / harmonies are also quite uncanny at times but the whole sound is much fatter, harder rocking than the Byrds ever were and at times is occasionally reminiscent of the Stone Roses or even, on the guitar work-outs, late 60s era The Who.

The second album "Changes Near" is a little more varied, less guitar heavy and possibly gives you an idea of what might have resulted had Carke, Hillman, Mcguinn and the Clarence White era Byrds made an album together around the late 60s.

So I was just wondering what is going on with the band. They were touring up until around 2011 but I can't find any more about their present whereabouts or activities.

I'd love to hear something new from them.

For me, along with Beachwood Sparks and The Woods these guys have made some of the most satisfying, melodic and interesting psych albums of the last 10 years or so.

If you don't have the albums go find 'em

Here's a couple of live clips from youtube


Early Morning Rider (from Changes Near)




No Names Yet For Henry
This is splendid. From their first gig, according to the youtube uploader "opening for the Tyde and the Brian Jonestown Massacre in the summer of 2000 at the Doll House in Silverlake. Special guest Twink from the Pretty Things, Tomorrow, and Pink Faries on tambourine. The song is a cover by 80s paisley underground band the Steppes."


 


More stranger than known




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