Electrum

Electrum is an instrumental progressive rock power trio whose mission is to create a unique brand of eclectic compositions that stimulate the listener emotionally, while challenging the performers technically. Their music features rhythmic ensemble interplay, complex arrangements - usually in classical forms - and a thorough exploration of odd time signatures. Their influences are myriad, including several progressive rock, jazz fusion, and classical musicians and composers.

Their music features rhythmic ensemble interplay, complex arrangements - usually in classical forms - and a thorough exploration of odd time signatures. Their influences are myriad, including several progressive rock, jazz fusion, and classical musicians and composers.

The band was formed in January 1996, after guitarist Dave Kulju posted an ad on the "National Midnight Star" - then the Rush on-line digest/mailing list, looking for other musicians that were interested in playing progressive rock.

Bassist Gino Foti, who was looking to form his own band to play instrumental music, e-mailed the only reply. Meeting in person, it was apparent that both shared numerous influences, as well as a penchant for exploring unorthodox musical themes and playing odd time signatures.

Drummer Joe Musmanno joined the band in September (after Dave posted a second ad to the 'NMS') and they agreed to compose all-instrumental original material as a power trio, and to enhance the arrangements by playing keyboards and/or MIDI pedals themselves.

Gino came up with the band's name from its secondary meaning: an alloy of two or more elements that occur naturally -- implicit in meaning the "whole is greater than the sum of its parts" sound they hoped to achieve, and the eclectic style of music they wished to produce.

Adopting the Do-It-Yourself ethic in every aspect of their projects, Electrum has since recorded and released two full-length CDs to considerable success, mainly due to the strong Internet presence of instrumental and progressive rock fans, musicians, and dealers.
__________________________________________________________________________________

There is also an Edinburgh indie duo (that should have gotten their own individual page) made up of Caireen Harrison who sings and plays piano/organ and Jamie Thompson who plays guitar, bass and drums.

They released their fist EP "Like I Said" in 2005 and followed it up with a second EP "Whatever Happens, Happens" in 2006. Both were released on Criminal Records.

They also recorded a version of Bjork's "Army of Me" although it wasn't selected to be on the album of "Army of Me" remixes and covers that was released.

A new record, the mini-album "Thanks 4 Nothing", will be released in early 2008 - tracks to be featured are "Just Don't Think You've Won", "A&R", "No Destiny", "When You're Here" and "Sophie".

Their website is www.thisiselectrum.net.