Music
Press
11 p.m. Critic's Pick: Bamboo Needle (Evansville, Ind.)
AltPop
For you bargain hunters out there, Bamboo Needle is like two great bands in one. They're not just a hauntingly beautiful AltPop outfit with a gift for painting minimalist ambient soundscapes (and even some Electronica thrown in to spice things up). They also a Heavy Rock juggernaut with Progressive tendencies that sound like they were born to shake arenas. The trio formed at the beginning of 2007 with a goal to make more expressive music but also remain accessible. Previews from their yet-to-be-released debut indicate they are hitting the mark. It remains to be seen whether they will retain their musical split personalities or evolve in one direction or the other.
Dig It: Starsailor, A Perfect Circle, Muse. (EW) - Ezra Waller
In a world of scene kids and posers, three guys found their own path to their own identity. Bamboo Needle, Evansville newest and hottest band, presents a dynamic that surpasses its predecessors. Bamboo Needle’s premiere performance, held at Boney June’s Music Venue, was attended by a slew of fans. Donning no stupid, flashy outfits or stage antics, this band relied on its music to engage the audience. Bamboo Needle writes songs that connect with the listeners through emotions, perspective and stories, and, according to the band, “we want to go where people identify with the emotions we put into the music and want to hear us-to the moon if we have to.”
The three members of the band, Zach Rell, Randy Land and Brian Mullins had all been in bands but were tired of trying to fit into a certain genre and were ready to make music that reflected how they felt. Zach, the unstoppable leader singer and guitarist with mystique, and Randy, the bass player that also stands as the face of Bamboo Needle, were paired together through similar tastes and preferences in their musical endeavors. The two set forth to find a drummer to complete the triangle, and Brian, the heartbeat of the band, came aboard shortly after.
Though Bamboo Needle has only been together for about a year, the music they create exuberates connectivity and continuity without losing the uniqueness and individuality of each song. Each song has spiritual undertones and the poignant rock reaches your core. With influences like Radiohead, Peter Gabriel, Pink Floyd and Smashing Pumpkins, the band echoes of deeper rooted rock and shies away from the more popular plastic, corporate bubblegum poprock. What does the future hold in store for Bamboo Needle? An EP and full record are in store for the first of the year, as well as a local tour. Visit them on the web at www.myspace.com/bambooneedle to find out what all the fuss is about! - Ashley West-Albin
Discography
The Pisceans EP (2008)
MPMF 2008 Compilation
Photos
Bio
Formed in Evansville, Indiana as 2006 turned into 2007, Bamboo Needle was born out of a passion for intelligent music with an emotional drive. Brought together by a love of bands such as Radiohead, Smashing Pumpkins, Depeche Mode, Muse & Pink Floyd, founding members Zach Rell (Vocals and Guitars) and Randy Land (Bass, Synths, & Programming) set out to write songs that would connect with their audience on many levels. They quickly set their sights on drummer extraordinaire, Brian Mullins, to solidify the lineup.
From their simple beginnings of making bedroom studio demos, to their upcoming album release, Bamboo Needle has managed to stay true to their original vision of creating music that touches the soul and stirs the mind. This trio possesses an already powerfully engaging live show that is cultivated from the members years of sharing stages with a number of national acts (P.O.D., Switchfoot, Reliant K, and Chevelle). With a quickly growing worldwide online fan base, mysterious front man Zach, visionary Randy, and the ever energetic Brian appear to be well on their way to bigger and better things.
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