Tera Melos
Encyclopedia
Tera Melos is a band from Sacramento, California
, that incorporates many styles of rock, jazz, ambient electronics and unconventional song structure. They are currently a three-piece (formerly four), consisting of a guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, bassist, and a drummer. Tera Melos play a brand of music characterized by quickly alternating rhythmic patterns, start-stop dynamics, improvisation, two-handed tapping on the guitar, extended open-ended bridges, and the use of effect pedals and samplers. Though the band has typically eschewed the label of math rock
, they are considered recent innovators of the genre.
. While some of the tracks on the album feature distorted vocals that are somewhat undecipherable, guitarist Nick Reinhart started contributing more prominent vocals to the music with the release of their 2007 split with By the End of Tonight
, called Complex Full of Phantoms. The album was named One of the most overlooked albums of 2005 by AP magazine.
Right before they started recording their second EP Drugs to the Dear Youth, one of the guitarists, Jeff Worms, left the band. On January 19, 2007, Tera Melos released the EP on Sargent House. ‘Drugs’ for short, was a step away from the previous sound they had before and farther into more progressive and original regions. They then embarked on their first national tour with The Fall of Troy
, Portugal. The Man
, and Damiera
.
Later in the year, the band contributed 5 songs to a split EP with Houston, TX band By the End of Tonight. Released on Temporary Residence Limited, Complex Full of Phantoms was the first release to feature prominent vocals in Tera Melos songs. Tours with By the End of Tonight and Facing New York
followed.
Tera Melos announced on their Myspace page on April 2, 2008, that drummer Vince would be leaving the band to pursue other things, namely returning to college to pursue a career as a math professor, after their spring tour. The band began searching for a new drummer and after 6 months, announced the addition of John Clardy as their new drummer. Prior to Vince's departure, the band had been planning a long-awaited LP release after touring; however, plans for a full-length were delayed. In the meantime they ended up releasing an EP of covers, featuring songs by The Beach Boys
and Polaris
, entitled Idioms, Vol. I.
The band resumed live activity again in January 2009 and toured with the likes of RX Bandits
, These Arms are Snakes
, and Melt Banana in addition to headlining tours of their own.
Tera Melos have developed a cult-like fan base around the United States and have recently gained some popularity in Europe, Asia, and South America; in September 2009 the Drugs to the Dear Youth EP and Tera Melos songs from the Complex Full of Phantoms split were combined into the release Drugs/Complex on Parabolica Records in Japan. October 2009 the band did an 8-date headlining tour of Japan, and were subsequently featured in the DVD Parabolica Jam '09.
On November 7, 2009, Tera Melos confirmed a new album due out in 2010 in a Myspace bulletin. The post stated that the band was set to begin recording the next day, November 8. The new album, titled Patagonian Rats, was released on September 7, 2010.
Starting in February 2011, the band will tour the U.S. along with Marnie Stern.
Sacramento, California
Sacramento is the capital city of the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Sacramento County. It is located at the confluence of the Sacramento River and the American River in the northern portion of California's expansive Central Valley. With a population of 466,488 at the 2010 census,...
, that incorporates many styles of rock, jazz, ambient electronics and unconventional song structure. They are currently a three-piece (formerly four), consisting of a guitarist/keyboardist/vocalist, bassist, and a drummer. Tera Melos play a brand of music characterized by quickly alternating rhythmic patterns, start-stop dynamics, improvisation, two-handed tapping on the guitar, extended open-ended bridges, and the use of effect pedals and samplers. Though the band has typically eschewed the label of math rock
Math rock
Math rock is a rhythmically complex guitar-based style of experimental rock that emerged in the 1980s and that was very influenced by progressive rock like King Crimson, Frank Zappa, Henry Cow - and 20th century composers such as Steve Reich and John Cage...
, they are considered recent innovators of the genre.
History
The band formed in 2004 after the breakup of Nick Reinhart and Nathan Latona's former band No Regard. Jeff Worms and Vince Rogers joined shortly thereafter. Tera Melos rehearsed for nearly a full year before choosing to debut live. The band had initially intended to recruit a vocalist but did not settle on one and chose to carry on as an instrumental band for the next several years. After releasing a four-song demo, their untitled debut full-length was released on October 4, 2005. The album comprises eight tracks, and was re-issued in 2008 on Sargent HouseSargent House
Sargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
. While some of the tracks on the album feature distorted vocals that are somewhat undecipherable, guitarist Nick Reinhart started contributing more prominent vocals to the music with the release of their 2007 split with By the End of Tonight
By the End of Tonight
By the End of Tonight was an American instrumental rock band from Alvin, Texas. They were signed to notable post-rock label Temporary Residence Limited for their life as a band.-History:...
, called Complex Full of Phantoms. The album was named One of the most overlooked albums of 2005 by AP magazine.
Right before they started recording their second EP Drugs to the Dear Youth, one of the guitarists, Jeff Worms, left the band. On January 19, 2007, Tera Melos released the EP on Sargent House. ‘Drugs’ for short, was a step away from the previous sound they had before and farther into more progressive and original regions. They then embarked on their first national tour with The Fall of Troy
The Fall of Troy
The Fall of Troy was an American progressive math rock trio from Mukilteo, Washington. The trio consisted of Thomas Erak , Andrew Forsman and Frank Ene...
, Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man
Portugal. The Man is an American psychedelic rock band based in Portland, Oregon, but originally from Wasilla, Alaska. The group released their first two albums with Fearless Records. They also released material on their own imprint Approaching AIRballoons through indie label Equal Vision Records...
, and Damiera
Damiera
Damiera is a three piece indie/math rock band based in Chicago, Illinois.-The Beginning:Damiera was formed in February, 2005, by David Raymond and ex-guitarist/vocalist Matthew Kipp after the dismemberment of their former project, League...
.
Later in the year, the band contributed 5 songs to a split EP with Houston, TX band By the End of Tonight. Released on Temporary Residence Limited, Complex Full of Phantoms was the first release to feature prominent vocals in Tera Melos songs. Tours with By the End of Tonight and Facing New York
Facing New York
Facing New York is a three-piece progressive indie rock band from the Bay Area, California, formed in January 2004.The band is currently on Five One Inc. Records and has released two full-length albums, one EP, two splits, and one single sampler....
followed.
Tera Melos announced on their Myspace page on April 2, 2008, that drummer Vince would be leaving the band to pursue other things, namely returning to college to pursue a career as a math professor, after their spring tour. The band began searching for a new drummer and after 6 months, announced the addition of John Clardy as their new drummer. Prior to Vince's departure, the band had been planning a long-awaited LP release after touring; however, plans for a full-length were delayed. In the meantime they ended up releasing an EP of covers, featuring songs by The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys
The Beach Boys are an American rock band, formed in 1961 in Hawthorne, California. The group was initially composed of brothers Brian, Dennis and Carl Wilson, their cousin Mike Love, and friend Al Jardine. Managed by the Wilsons' father Murry, The Beach Boys signed to Capitol Records in 1962...
and Polaris
Polaris
Polaris |Alpha]] Ursae Minoris, commonly North Star or Pole Star, also Lodestar) is the brightest star in the constellation Ursa Minor. It is very close to the north celestial pole, making it the current northern pole star....
, entitled Idioms, Vol. I.
The band resumed live activity again in January 2009 and toured with the likes of RX Bandits
Rx Bandits
RX Bandits is a four-piece band based in Seal Beach, California. The band formed in 1995 in Orange County, California. They have appeared on the Vans Warped Tour, at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and at The Bamboozle.-Early years :Originally known as...
, These Arms are Snakes
These Arms Are Snakes
These Arms Are Snakes was an American post-hardcore band that formed in 2002 and featured former members of Botch and Kill Sadie. The band was known for their intense live shows, which often feature vocalist Steve Snere crowd surfing and spending a large portion of the live performance in the...
, and Melt Banana in addition to headlining tours of their own.
Tera Melos have developed a cult-like fan base around the United States and have recently gained some popularity in Europe, Asia, and South America; in September 2009 the Drugs to the Dear Youth EP and Tera Melos songs from the Complex Full of Phantoms split were combined into the release Drugs/Complex on Parabolica Records in Japan. October 2009 the band did an 8-date headlining tour of Japan, and were subsequently featured in the DVD Parabolica Jam '09.
On November 7, 2009, Tera Melos confirmed a new album due out in 2010 in a Myspace bulletin. The post stated that the band was set to begin recording the next day, November 8. The new album, titled Patagonian Rats, was released on September 7, 2010.
Starting in February 2011, the band will tour the U.S. along with Marnie Stern.
Albums
- Untitled (2005) - literally has no title. Re-issued (2010) on Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
- Drugs/Complex (2010) - compilation of Drugs to the Dear Youth and their tracks from Complex Full of Phantoms Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
- Patagonian Rats (September 7, 2010) Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
EPs
- Demo (2004) - includes the songs "7th Heaven", "Flowers", "Magical" and "I Hate the 80's"
- Drugs to the Dear Youth (2007) - EP Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
- IDIOMS vol. I (Covers EP) (2009) Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
- Zoo Weather (2011) - EP Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
- Echo On The Hills Of Knebworth (2011) - Single Sargent HouseSargent HouseSargent House is a Los Angeles based management company and record label. It was founded in June 2006 by Cathy Pellow, who is a music video commissioner for Atlantic Records and who also owns a music video production company called Refused TV. Pellow began managing the rock outfit RX Bandits in 2006...
Splits
- Complex Full of Phantoms (split with By the End of TonightBy the End of TonightBy the End of Tonight was an American instrumental rock band from Alvin, Texas. They were signed to notable post-rock label Temporary Residence Limited for their life as a band.-History:...
) (2007) Temporary Residence
Music Videos
- Hey Sandy (2009)
- The Skin Surf (2010)
- Frozen Zoo (2010)
- Manar the Magic (2011)
- Kelley (2011)
- So Occult/Kelly (2011)