Artist description The Minimal Pairs is a product of Eric Zuccola's failure and loneliness. The story begins in early 2001, when Zuccola sequestered himself in a basement with a case of beer, a four-track, and the mission of creating the world's best lo-fi, power pop concept album. The end result was the 16-song Down at the Topside, which Zuccola released under the band name The Drinking Deacons. Did Zuccola achieve his lofty goal? That question is best answered in this review by "Indie Uprising": "The Deacons have definitely been drinking. Maybe it's my tape player or me, but the shrill, unproduced Yes meets folk rock does not excite me." Ouch. Needless to say, Zuccola soon reassessed his solo, lo-fi approach. He rightly concluded that the addition of band mates could thicken his sound, not to mention provide more people to blame for the end product. Moreover, bringing in additional human beings meant Zuccola would have people with whom he could drink beer, talk about girls, drink beer, discuss relationship woes, and drink beer. With this new plan in mind, Zuccola traversed the streets of Minneapolis in summer 2001 seeking co-conspirators for a hi-fi power pop project. It was in front of Our Lady of Immaculate Discomfort Men's Shelter that Zuccola discovered Sean McNamee and Matthew Mark Luke Johnson, two homeless people who were busking for food on the building's front steps. Zuccola was instantly transfixed by the duo and their prowess on bass and drums. Instead of giving them a quarter, Zuccola asked the two gentlemen if they would like to be in a band, and they eagerly accepted. Zuccola then drank the rest of their half-empty 40 dog of Schlitz. Four months and a demo tape later, The Minimal Pairs appeared in the waiting room of Rotisserie Records corporate headquarters. Enamored of the band's uncanny ability to write catchy '60s Brit pop with a 21st century twist, Rotisserie Records immediately added The Minimal Pairs to their roster. The result of this union is "His Hymns to Her," a 12-song album that melds the bratty stomp of vintage Rolling Stones with the sing-along pop of current Sloan. Stand-out songs on the release include "His Hymns to Her," which proves that the use of "woo-hoos" in a rock song never goes out of style; "A Measure of These Gifts," whose melodic snap and musical bounce put it in the pantheon of catchy power pop; and "Idle Slides," a crisp and sweeping anthem that would fit well in the closing credits of some smarty-pants indie film. With their album now complete, The Minimal Pairs are currently enjoying what Rotisserie Records executives are calling an "extended vacation" at the Hazelden Chemical Health Facility in Center City, Minnesota. While this does not bode well for Zuccola's drinking, at least he has overcome his bout with failure and loneliness. Better still, he and his band mates now get to spend quality time with Diana Ross and "Witchblade"'s Yancy Butler.

Music Style '60s Brit pop with a 21st century twist, The Minimal Pairs fall between the bratty stomp of vintage Stones and the sing-along anthems of current Sloan.

Musical Influences Sloan, Guided By Voices, Teenage Fanclub, The Who, The Rolling Stones

Similar Artists Sloan, Guided By Voices, Teenage Fanclub, The Who, The Rolling Stones

Group Members Eric Zuccola (vocals, guitars, bass) Sean McNamee (drums, guitars, bass) Matt Johnson (bass, guitars, drums)

Albums His Hymns to Her

Location Minneapolis, MN - USA

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