Artist description The State Flowers featured 2 esteemed singer/songwriter/guitarists, Pete Ficht and Corrina Repp, and the solid rhythm section of Martin Thiel (drums)and David Yeager (bass). The band fell solidly into the "indie-pop" camp; non-commercial, but extremely catchy, with male/female vocals, cool arrangements and great songs. They were often compared to the great Yo La Tengo. Their album "Third of July" was a very diverse record, moving seamlessly from the hypnotic groove of "Wait" to the simple power-pop of "Once In A While", to the anthemic "Citizen's Arrest" and the time-changing heavy rocker "Third of July". And that's just the first 4 songs. Also check out the catchy but weird "Our Parader" and the heartfelt acoustic ballad "Rocking Chair". Ably and tastefully produced by Tony Lash (of Dandy Warhols, Heatmiser and Eric Matthews fame).

Music Style indie-pop

Musical Influences everything that's good.

Similar Artists yo la tengo, go-betweens, velvet underground.

Artist History The State Flowers formed in Portland, Oregon in 1997. Pete Ficht, formerly of the House Levelers, Joy Pop Turbo and Noisecandy, had a small demo studio in his basement. He recorded demos for several acts, including solo artist Corrina Repp and the band Rexaco, which included the rhythm section of Martin Thiel and David Yeager. Having discovered some mutual musical interests these four friends formed the State Flowers (originally known as Scenic Overdrive). They combined Repp's moody vocals and unique guitar playing and Ficht's quirky power-pop leanings with the solid drums and bass of Thiel and Yeager. Their collaboration jelled into a distinctive State Flowers sound, described by The Rocket as "Velvet Underground-like hazy guitar pop", "Repp has a sharp singing voice that flashes back to the sultry 60's while Ficht seems more akin to fellows who aren't afraid to let a few cracks creep into the vocal mix like Frank Black or Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan." As described in the Willamette Week's 1998 NXNW preview, "The State Flowers' dramatic dual guitars and poppy rhythm section offer plenty of candy for the ears". Also becoming known for their "genuine understated pop", they consistently gigged at numerous Portland venues, including appearances at NXNW in 1998 and 1999 and a live performance on KBOO's "Church of Northwest Music" program. The State Flowers "generated sweet irresistable pop" on their CD, "Third Of July", which was self-released in 1999 to much critical acclaim. Producer Tony Lash was praised for "expertly sussing the right sound and texture for ech song, with a sense of reverence and creativity that is truly world-class". Reviewers commented on the album's "sweet, pastoral pop" and it's being a "very comfortable and satisfying record to listen to, that mysteriously seems to shift a bit to fit almost any mood or weather - there's both sadness and hope here, and depending what you're listening for you can hear either". Sadly, the State Flowers broke up in October of 1999. Corrina Repp is still recording her highly regarded solo albums for Hush Records. Pete Ficht spent 2 years in the legendary Portland space-rock band King Black Acid and also formed a new band, National Anthem, with a unique acoustic guitar, violin, accordion and snare drum line-up. Martin Thiel and David Yeager are currently playing in the new band Copter, which also features Jody Garner and Heather Savoy of Joy Pop Turbo fame.

Group Members Pete Ficht: vocals, guitar, keyboards. Corrina Repp: vocals, guitar. Martin Thiel: drums. David Yeager: bass. Guests: Tony Lash: keyboards, guitar, percussion. Kaitlyn Ni Donovan: violin.

Instruments Guitars, bass, keyboards, drums, and occasional violin

Albums Third Of July

Press Reviews "These Portlanders play understated, genuine pop; Corrina Repp and Pete Ficht trade vocals in melodic, anti-depressant tunes." - Liz Brown, Willamette Week, Aug. 19, 1998 "The State Flowers play Velvet Underground-like hazy guitar pop, with the songwriting split between singer/guitarist Corrina Repp and singer/guitarist Pete Ficht. Repp has a sharp singing voice that flashes back to the sultry '60s while Ficht seems more akin to fellows who aren't afraid to let a few cracks creep into the vocal mix like Frank Black or Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan." - The Rocket, NXNW Pull-Out Guide, 1998

Location Portland, OR - USA

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