Search - Crosstide :: Life As a Spectator

The arrival of your next favorite band

Ryan Blanchard | Portland, OR | 09/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"From slowdance.com:



Crosstide is an accidental word, not found in the English dictionary, taken from a literal translation of Pablo Neruda's poem, "Waltz." The poem describes a calm spot in the ocean amidst the turmoil of opposing tides and currents-a fitting metaphor for the band's sound.





Following a collection of self-produced early material, dozens of tours, and the Crosstide EP that sold out of 1000 copies immediately following its release in 2005, Crosstide has finally arrived with their debut full-length, Life as a Spectator, produced by Jacob Portrait.





Formed in the late 90's in Portland, Oregon, Crosstide began as high school friends cutting their teeth on the indie rock sound lionized by bands like Smashing Pumpkins, Mineral, Ride, and Sunny Day Real Estate. The group now transcends their roots and casts its own shadow with Life as a Spectator.





Recorded in a remote cabin in rural Washington State, Life as a Spectator is the result of months of isolated, focused songwriting. Combining elements of post-punk, early emo, 80's pop sensibility, and the varied influences of Crosstide's contemporaries, Life as a Spectator connects the dots between two and a half decades in a way that is exciting, accessible and honest. Bret Vogel's unmistakable voice, infectious melodies and thoughtful lyrics atop a sly, offbeat rhythm section forge a masterfully structured debut album of mammoth pop songs brimming with classic Britpop style and distinct indie flare.





Recently, Crosstide has shared the stage with the likes of The Killers, Franz Ferdinand, Nada Surf, Jimmy Eat World, Jens Leckman, Elefant, No Knife, Burning Brides, Rival Schools and the Velvet Teen. One of the key songs from their self-titled EP, "Talk Radio," was added at KNRK, Oregon's largest commercial alternative radio station, making Crosstide the first unsigned act in regular rotation there in nearly a decade and positioning them as a breakthrough act for early 2006.





Crosstide's rare ability to intertwine dramatic balladry and stadium-ready anthems demonstrate a band well beyond their years. Featuring Bret Vogel (vocals, guitar) Rian Lewis (guitar, vocals), Nicholas Forde (Bass), Matt Henderson (drums, programming) and Erick Alley (keyboards), Crosstide have written a record that will become the soundtrack to countless summer days.



"

AMAZING!

Nora Ard | ptown, or | 10/21/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I love Crosstide, I've been listening to them for about 2 years and they have become one of my all-time favorite bands.



In their music you can hear that they have been influenced by some awesome bands such as the beach boys, U2,and New Order but they definitely put their own spin on it and that's what makes them stand out from so many of the new bands out there, they are definitely their own band.



I was so excited when this CD came out because now I can listen to them all the time! This is definitely a record worth buying. (you should) Sleep is an amazing song, it never fails to make me happy! I cant wait to hear what Bret, Nick, Erick, Matt and Rian come out with next!

"

A record worthy of praise

Matthew Tibbs | Cincinnati, OH | 10/06/2005

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Crosstide has been flying under the radar for several years now, but this record seemingly has all the components necessary to change that. Bret Vogel's vocals are right on the money, and production has improved dramatically over the past few years.



Personal favorites from the album include: "Anybody Else," "(You Should) Sleep," and "Choking." The musicality of this album instantly imparts that these men love what they do and that they know they have found their stride. This is a really fine album."