After years of frustration stemming from his confinement to supporting roles in countless rock projects, saxophonist PETER GILLI broke ties with his oppressors to form a guerilla experimental rock group, code-name A TROOP OF ECHOES. A revolving cast of characters was conscripted to fill the ranks, including DAN MORIARTY on heavy artillery / drums. Electronic intelligence pointed to HARRISON HARTLEY as a source of low end and sonic blasts via bass guitar and synthesizer. After an incident involving a rogue guitarist breaking into Gilli’s house in a fit of misdirected rage, mercenary guitarist NICK COOPER was contracted to play on the Troop’s first demo, lending his deviant harmonic structures and compositional maturity. Recorded in August 2005, three weeks after Cooper’s first practice, Always First Steps is a snapshot of these talented musicians just beginning to understand…

Emphasizing songcraft and textural subtleties over individual virtuosity, A Troop of Echoes proves surprising accessibility for the label “experimental.” A usual set hints of post-rock, free jazz, electronica, all under the auspices of the avant-noise Providence aesthetic that has influenced the band. Squalls of noise thrown against lush textures. Unexpected dips and left turns. Improv intertwined with carefully considered compositions. Winds, strings, membranes, and sine waves. Not as many changes in time signatures as you might expect.