five o' clock people
Mixing thoughtprovoking lyrics with inventive melodies and excellent musicianship five oclock people have created their own brand of eclectic fold pop with a fr
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five o'clock people is not your standard issue alternative band, unless, cracks singer/songwriter Alex Walker, "it's an alternative to the ear candy on the radio."
To a musical landscape littered with pre-fabricated vocal groups and machine-driven dance/pop, the members of five o'clock people bring a commitment to intelligent, thought-provoking lyrics and a quiet resolve to express themselves using only the tools of acoustic instruments. All of which is amply displayed on their Pamplin Music debut, The Nothing Venture.
"It kind of started by accident," recalls Alex, of the band's launch in 1995. "Friends getting together and playing. There's a thriving acoustic scene in the Northwest and I really enjoy that. We wanted to stay acoustic, and so you embrace the challenge of coming up with different textures and arrangement ideas without plugging anything in."
The bands' instrumentation, which often features non-traditional rock instruments such as violin and accordion, allows for an intimate approach to its presentation. Although regional success has caused five o'clock people to outgrow many of the cafŽs and coffeehouses that nurtured its early career, Drew Grow says smaller venues are still the group's preferred platform. "It forces you to be completely honest. You can't get away with hiding behind a performance. We've always kind of championed the idea of talking to the audience, keeping things relaxed." Alex adds, "I love going to a cafŽ and seeing someone interacting with the audience. They just have their heart on a stick, close enough for you to touch it and recoil. It's beautiful and strange and unique to that setting. I like venues that allow for that intimacy."
five o'clock people spend a great deal of time touring; in fact, Drew says, the band prefers road life to home life. "The shows are the thing. Being home is actually less restful than touring. The interaction, the connection with the audience is the energizing factor." Alex adds "You can have a really, really bad day or even week, and get up and play a show, or a few shows, and it's so therapeutic and redemptive. It's almost embarrassing to admit how much that support and encouragement means to us."
The bands' extensive touring resume includes two U.K. tours, as well as sharing the stage with a diverse group of artists, including Jonatha Brooke, Vigilantes of Love, Pedro the Lion and Sixpence None the Richer. "We might have next to nothing in common with them, as far as instrumentation," Alex explains. "But what we try to put into a song is very similar. Trying to do something that has our musical signature on it, and then lyrically, tackling issues we're fighting with, songs that we have to write or our heads will explode."
Drew says that, although high school, college and post-college young adults are probably most drawn to five o'clock people, there's really no "typical" audience for the band. "We've played for crowds where maybe three people were under the age of 25. Some adult audiences relate to the struggles we sing about, especially since they've maybe been through them and come out the other side. So they can identify in a way that maybe a younger audience doesn't."
Songs such as five o'clock people's signature tune, "Sorry," "So Far Gone" and "Same Old Line," address broken and troubled relationships with an almost brutal honesty, while "Living Water" and "Blame" are among the songs which tackle matters of faith and redemption in stark, confessional terms. Alex feels there's room for both kinds of tracks on their album. "There's something legitimate about not every song being a composite of all you are, all that you hope for, all you dream of being. It's OK to write songs that proceed as a series of snapshots and maybe by the end of an album or even a body of work, you're getting the whole picture of who this person is."
"Lunar," explains Drew, explores the sometimes elusiveness of faith. "Like so many people, I went off to college and realized it's a big world, and other people aren't idiots if they don't believe the way I do. I met a number of intelligent people who were honestly seeking the truth, but hadn't reached the same conclusion as me. And that actually shook my faith. Coming from such a secure background in the church where I never doubted a thing, never even had the questions occur to me--that really shook me up.
Producer/engineer Joe Chicarelli, noted for his work with artists such as Beck, Tori Amos and U2, was impressed with the band's passion and commitment to making artistically accomplished music, and signed on to the project. "We're amazingly blessed," marvels Alex. "He was able to listen to our music and suggest elements and ideas that never would have occurred to us."
Alex says he's aware that many will perceive the group as a "new" band. "But even among our existing fan base, there's anticipation, just because it's the first album we've done with a real budget. I'm excited just to get it out there and see what people think. We know that among our peers, there's a demonstrated audience for our music. We don't pretend that we're reinventing the wheel. We're just trying to write good songs."
Portland, OR
USA
ID
2945
Contact
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Comments (3)
I'm trying to get in touch with Andy. I havent spoken w/him in about 2 years and we NEEEEEEED to catch up. He should know who this is by the screen name but if he doesnt just ask him if he needs to borrow my drums again.
Hey guys! I think your sounds are excellent! Good stuff! I'm a big acoustic man myself. If i could only find a drummer and bassist, I know we could get to where you guys are. But you guys are really great! Im gonna look into picking up your CD. Keep it coming! F.C. www.soundclick.com/flint www.mp3.com/flintband
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