We Drew Lightning

We Drew Lightning plays psychedelic (or art) rock. The group is made up of Roland Ostheim (vocals, guitar, keyboard, piano, live loops) and Michael Smith (drums, electronics, samples, vocals), both formerly of DERAIL, and Steve Canny (cello). On their new CD, swimming with orange, they perform with Alex Neville (bass guitar, banjo, vocals, electronics), Gretchen Yatsevitch (voice on ?insectivore?) and Max Friedenberg (voice on ?zombie t.v.?).

It is the goal of We Drew Lightning to transcend genre. Far from the usual noise band, their sound is brooding; it is heavy in mood, but seems to lift the spirit. We Drew Lightning utilizes different timbres and styles such as psychedelic rock, experimental, and electronic, creating complex textured soundscapes performed in conjunction with live visuals to bring the audience member on a journey. Every instrument and line of music melds together, no individual pushing to the forefront. There is a balance and flow with the way each piece is layered. The vocals don't rise above the instruments but weave in and out of them, the singers' voices acting more as instruments than melodic leaders.

The cover art for swimming with orange was created by Vadi Grontis, who also does the live visuals for all of We Drew Lightning's shows. The visuals are an integral part of what We Drew Lightning is communicating, and are layered much like the music, with the images and colors constantly moving. She adds to the sensory experience, making it even more complex and rich.

official website: http://wedrewlightning.com/
label: http://highmayhem.org/