Artist description A potent combination of heartfelt lyrics and effect-laden guitars grace the sound of Menlo, the Indie Pop/Rock quartet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Music Style Indie Pop/Rock (Alternative)

Musical Influences Weezer, Foo Fighters, Smashing Pumpkins, Sunny Day Real Estate, Radiohead, Travis, Built to Spill, Death Cab for Cutie, Ride, Swervedriver, Oasis, U2, 3EB, Toad the Wet Sprocket,

Artist History A potent combination of heartfelt lyrics and effect-laden guitars grace the sound of Menlo, the Indie Pop/Rock quartet from Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Their sound is matched in spirit by such guitar-centered acts as The Smashing Pumpkins, Foo Fighters and Weezer, as well as the ethereal modern sounds of Radiohead, Travis, and Built to Spill. Soaring guitars, melodic bass lines, and impassioned vocals create a dynamic experience that welcomes listeners even as it takes them over. Menlo formed as a four-piece in early 2001. Taking their name from Thomas Edison's famed lab, Menlo Park, the band established itself as an innovative and inventive group, recording an EP only a month after their formation. If I Were You, And You Were Me was released independently in May 2001 featuring the songs "Love is Yellow," "Reverberation," "Transparent," and "Solar." Organic in sound and texture, it showcased the band's mix of indie spirit and pop sensibility. Taking no breaks the band set up a myriad of shows that served as both a source of exposure and an opportunity to expand on their already maturing sound. Experimenting with samplers, keyboards, synthesizers, and electric drums, the band's sound became more focused and distinct. The addition of a vintage-photo slideshow served to supplement the already emotionally charged atmosphere encapsulated by the music. They also quickly became masters of self-promotion, with artistic flyers often containing hidden messages, self-produced cd samplers, and a growing website that allowed fans to download songs and get to know them. The band caught the attention of Chicago producer Keith Cleversley, the sonic scientist behind such indie icons as Hum, the Flaming Lips, and Spiritualized. They entered the The Playground in Chicago for a marathon 7-day recording session in March 2002. The final product, The Stars Are Held By Strings, is a ten-song masterpiece of raw emotion and pure musical tenacity. Its tracks, from the ballad-esque "Slowdivecentury" to the gritty guitar romp of "Hi fi Disease," are a testament to the band's commitment to their music. Menlo spreads its wings on this recording, with Gregory Borden's eclectic vocals ranging from a near-whisper to a commandingly melodic shout. Thomas Geibel's mastery of guitar effects lends the disc a sound as intriguing as it is powerful, and Joe Kirschling's use of diverse percussion underscores the degree to which the band has grown since its inception. With the recent addition of Quinn Scharber on bass, Menlo is poised to reach an ever-growing audience. Released on August 15, 2002, the album has already garnished a stack of favorable reviews and fascinated fans.

Group Members Gregory Borden (vox, guitars, keyboards) Thom Geibel (guitars) Joe Kirschling (drums) Quinn Scharber (bass)

Instruments guitars, vocals, bass, drums, keyboads, and lots of cool effects.

Albums The Stars are Held by Strings

Location Milwaukee, Wisconsin - USA

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