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Amphoteric (band)
Encyclopedia
Amphoteric is a progressive rock
band from Monterey, California
. The band is composed of vocalist/guitarist Hart Hancock, bassist Bryan Blair, and drummer Craig Brown.
. Soon joining them were bassist Nick West and drummer Dan Ellis. Within a few months, the band was signed to Noseman Records in the US.
In February 1998, the band began work on their first album, Desolation
. Future Amphoteric singer Hart Hancock was an engineer during the sessions. The album was released in America on September 15, 1998. The album was not a commercial hit.
Following the Desolation tour, bassist Nick West departed the band. Guitarist Andrew Nielsen
switched to bass guitar, and the band became a trio. During this time, Amphoteric began work on their next album, When Time Folds and Dimensions Meet
. This would mark the beginning of the band's experimentation with progressive rock
. The album was released on April 12, 1999, and featured many songs co-written by engineer Hancock. Songs on the album averaged over 8 minutes. In contrast to their previous album, Desolation, the album was well received. This album was the last on the Noseman Records label.
Early 2001 saw Amphoteric back in the studio recording their third album, pH7
. The title is reflective of the neutral state of water and the nature of amphoteric substances in chemistry.
pH7 featured mostly the compositions of Nielsen and Thompson, and was released on June 26, 2001. The album concentrated more on hard-rock that progressive music, although hints of it remained. The band did not tour in support of the record. After its release, Nielsen announced he was leaving Amphoteric to concentrate on his other project, MC Lars
.
Singer Tim Thompson switched to bass, and work began on their next album. Prior to the conclusion of recording the album, Thompson announced he would be leaving the band. Guitarist Hancock became the lead singer.
Rivers of Understanding
was released on December 31, 2002. The album saw a permanent move back to progressive rock
. The band was embroiled in controversy regarding two of the album's songs. 'Anti-American' and 'Just Another,' both dealt with gun violence
and child abuse
.
The end of 2003 saw the band recording their next studio effort, The Origin of Consciousness
. The band began to experiment with atmospheric elements and female vocals. Released on June 15, 2004, The Origin of Consciousness became the band's most successful album.
In early 2005, Amphoteric released their first live album, a double disc set entitled, The Last Broadcast
. The album features a two hour performance from their 2004-2005 world tour. It was recorded in Monterey, California
and released on February 1, 2005.
With the release of Rivers of Understanding, the band's tours have predominantly been so-called, 'Evening with...' tours, in which the band plays at least three hours with an intermission and no opening act. The show that was recorded for The Last Broadcast was nearly four hours in length. More recently, on July 23, 2005, the band played their longest concert ever, clocking in at more than four hours, fifteen minutes.
For most of the band's existence, Amphoteric has toured as a three piece band. With the release of The Origin of Consciousness and subsequent tour, the band has added a keyboardist as a fourth touring member.
Fans are allowed to record the band's concerts "so long as it is discreet", and may trade the recordings with other fans, but may not sell them for personal profit
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
band from Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
. The band is composed of vocalist/guitarist Hart Hancock, bassist Bryan Blair, and drummer Craig Brown.
1996-1999
Amphoteric was formed in 1996 by singer/guitarist Tim Thompson and guitarist Andrew NielsenMC Lars
Andrew Robert MacFarlane Nielsen is an American rapper, known by his stage name MC Lars. He is the self-proclaimed originator of "post-punk laptop rap". He was one of the first underground rappers to sample and reference post-punk and emo bands...
. Soon joining them were bassist Nick West and drummer Dan Ellis. Within a few months, the band was signed to Noseman Records in the US.
In February 1998, the band began work on their first album, Desolation
Desolation
Desolation is the first full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. Although the album was praised by critics and earned the band an almost 'cult-like' following, it received marginal commercial success...
. Future Amphoteric singer Hart Hancock was an engineer during the sessions. The album was released in America on September 15, 1998. The album was not a commercial hit.
Following the Desolation tour, bassist Nick West departed the band. Guitarist Andrew Nielsen
MC Lars
Andrew Robert MacFarlane Nielsen is an American rapper, known by his stage name MC Lars. He is the self-proclaimed originator of "post-punk laptop rap". He was one of the first underground rappers to sample and reference post-punk and emo bands...
switched to bass guitar, and the band became a trio. During this time, Amphoteric began work on their next album, When Time Folds and Dimensions Meet
When Time Folds and Dimensions Meet
When Time Folds and Dimensions Meet is the second full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. This album marks the band's shift towards progressive rock.-Track listing:#"Spiderwebs and Werewolves" – 7:29#"Away" – 6:14...
. This would mark the beginning of the band's experimentation with progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
. The album was released on April 12, 1999, and featured many songs co-written by engineer Hancock. Songs on the album averaged over 8 minutes. In contrast to their previous album, Desolation, the album was well received. This album was the last on the Noseman Records label.
2000-2003
Drummer Dan Ellis departed Amphoteric in 2000, and was replaced by former Blue Tones drummer [Craig Brown]. Hart Hancock, former engineer and collaborator, was also made a full band member, handling guitar and backing vocals.Early 2001 saw Amphoteric back in the studio recording their third album, pH7
PH7 (Amphoteric album)
pH7 is the third full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. Considered to be their break-out album. This is the last album to feature primary songwriter Andrew Nielsen, who departed the band to pursue his other project, MC Lars, fulltime...
. The title is reflective of the neutral state of water and the nature of amphoteric substances in chemistry.
pH7 featured mostly the compositions of Nielsen and Thompson, and was released on June 26, 2001. The album concentrated more on hard-rock that progressive music, although hints of it remained. The band did not tour in support of the record. After its release, Nielsen announced he was leaving Amphoteric to concentrate on his other project, MC Lars
MC Lars
Andrew Robert MacFarlane Nielsen is an American rapper, known by his stage name MC Lars. He is the self-proclaimed originator of "post-punk laptop rap". He was one of the first underground rappers to sample and reference post-punk and emo bands...
.
Singer Tim Thompson switched to bass, and work began on their next album. Prior to the conclusion of recording the album, Thompson announced he would be leaving the band. Guitarist Hancock became the lead singer.
Rivers of Understanding
Rivers of Understanding
Rivers of Understanding is the fourth full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric.Musically, this album marks a transition from more traditional rock and progressive rock to progressive metal...
was released on December 31, 2002. The album saw a permanent move back to progressive rock
Progressive rock
Progressive rock is a subgenre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s as part of a "mostly British attempt to elevate rock music to new levels of artistic credibility." John Covach, in Contemporary Music Review, says that many thought it would not just "succeed the pop of...
. The band was embroiled in controversy regarding two of the album's songs. 'Anti-American' and 'Just Another,' both dealt with gun violence
Gun violence
Gun violence defined literally means the use of a firearm to threaten or inflict violence or harm. Gun violence may be broadly defined as a category of violence and crime committed with the use of a firearm; it may or may not include actions ruled as self-defense, actions for law enforcement, or...
and child abuse
Child abuse
Child abuse is the physical, sexual, emotional mistreatment, or neglect of a child. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Department of Children And Families define child maltreatment as any act or series of acts of commission or omission by a parent or...
.
2003-present
Bassist Bryan Blair joined Amphoteric in February 2003 and the band embarked on tour in support of Rivers of Understanding.The end of 2003 saw the band recording their next studio effort, The Origin of Consciousness
The Origin of Consciousness
The Origin of Consciousness is the fifth full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric.It is noticeably heavier than any of their previous albums, incorporating elements of progressive metal and even death metal. This is the first album to feature guitarist Hart Hancock as lead singer...
. The band began to experiment with atmospheric elements and female vocals. Released on June 15, 2004, The Origin of Consciousness became the band's most successful album.
In early 2005, Amphoteric released their first live album, a double disc set entitled, The Last Broadcast
The Last Broadcast (live)
The Last Broadcast is the first live album by progressive rock band Amphoteric.The album was recorded live at the MPC Music Theater in Monterey, California on February 21, 2004...
. The album features a two hour performance from their 2004-2005 world tour. It was recorded in Monterey, California
Monterey, California
The City of Monterey in Monterey County is located on Monterey Bay along the Pacific coast in Central California. Monterey lies at an elevation of 26 feet above sea level. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 27,810. Monterey is of historical importance because it was the capital of...
and released on February 1, 2005.
Live performances
The band toured as an opening act during their Desolation tour, and later co-headlined in support of the When Time Folds and Dimensions Meet album.With the release of Rivers of Understanding, the band's tours have predominantly been so-called, 'Evening with...' tours, in which the band plays at least three hours with an intermission and no opening act. The show that was recorded for The Last Broadcast was nearly four hours in length. More recently, on July 23, 2005, the band played their longest concert ever, clocking in at more than four hours, fifteen minutes.
For most of the band's existence, Amphoteric has toured as a three piece band. With the release of The Origin of Consciousness and subsequent tour, the band has added a keyboardist as a fourth touring member.
Fans are allowed to record the band's concerts "so long as it is discreet", and may trade the recordings with other fans, but may not sell them for personal profit
Studio releases
- DesolationDesolationDesolation is the first full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. Although the album was praised by critics and earned the band an almost 'cult-like' following, it received marginal commercial success...
(1998) - When Time Folds and Dimensions MeetWhen Time Folds and Dimensions MeetWhen Time Folds and Dimensions Meet is the second full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. This album marks the band's shift towards progressive rock.-Track listing:#"Spiderwebs and Werewolves" – 7:29#"Away" – 6:14...
(1999) - pH7PH7 (Amphoteric album)pH7 is the third full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric. Considered to be their break-out album. This is the last album to feature primary songwriter Andrew Nielsen, who departed the band to pursue his other project, MC Lars, fulltime...
(2001) - Rivers of UnderstandingRivers of UnderstandingRivers of Understanding is the fourth full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric.Musically, this album marks a transition from more traditional rock and progressive rock to progressive metal...
(2002) - The Origin of ConsciousnessThe Origin of ConsciousnessThe Origin of Consciousness is the fifth full-length studio album by progressive rock band Amphoteric.It is noticeably heavier than any of their previous albums, incorporating elements of progressive metal and even death metal. This is the first album to feature guitarist Hart Hancock as lead singer...
(2004) - Insignificance (2006) (In progress)
Singles
- "Silhouette" (1998)
- "Brother" (2001)
- "Carmel" (2001)
- "Green Machine" (2002)
- "Train" (2003)
- "Breaking the Silence" (2004)
Current members
- Hart Hancock - Vocals, guitar, keyboards (2000–present)
- Bryan Blair - Bass (2003–present)
- Craig Brown - Drums (2000–present)
Former members
- Tim Thompson – Vocals, guitar, bass (1996–2002)
- Andrew NielsenMC LarsAndrew Robert MacFarlane Nielsen is an American rapper, known by his stage name MC Lars. He is the self-proclaimed originator of "post-punk laptop rap". He was one of the first underground rappers to sample and reference post-punk and emo bands...
– Guitar, bass, vocals (1996–2001) - Nick West – Bass (1996–1999)
- Dan Ellis – Drums (1996–2000)