A unique and intriguing mix of psychedelic, pop and western tones, complete with swirling harmonies and euphoric crescendos.

9 MP3 Songs
POP: Beatles-pop, ROCK: Psychedelic



Details:
'The Channel' began as a project of brothers Brent and Colby Pennington in the late 90's when they formed a band with a few of their friends as a means of passing the time. After a short tenure the group disbanded and the brothers pursued other projects. Colby continued writing and recording music on his own under the pseudonym, 'Driftin' Luke and his many Personalities', and began collaborating with his good friend Joey Vaughan in various bands such as 'The Mighty Hebrews' and 'Ol' Pioneers'. These outings yielded many recordings that circulated mainly amongst friends and family. While Colby kept busy with his various projects, Brent began playing in an Austin, TX band called 'The Arthurs.' After a few homemade recordings and one minor studio effort, 'The Arthurs' traveled to Portland, OR to record their debut LP, "Walking in the Sunlight", with Martyn Leaper of 'The Minders'. Two west coast tours ensued, but when one member relocated to New York, 'The Arthurs' became history. It was at this time that Colby and Brent decided to resurrect 'The Channel' with two of Brent's bandmates from 'The Arthurs', Andy McAllister and Jamie Reaves.

In 2001, 'The Channel' recorded their first full length album entitled "Tones are Falling". After the band released a homemade version of the record in 2002, they signed to C-Side Records which officially released a remixed and remastered version in 2003. The album reached #120 on the CMJ 200 chart in early 2004 while the band played shows around town to support its release. During this time, Colby and Brent's sister, Heather, was added to the group. 'The Channel' continued to perform around their home state, opening for acts such as 'Of Montreal' and 'The Minders', and playing weekly shows at the Austin Hostel, but much of there time was being devoted to recording a new album.

'The Channel' has now finished their second LP, entitled "Personalized" with all five members sharing the songwriting and production duties. Full of swirling harmonies and euphoric crescendos, the recording consists of nine original songs and a Will Oldham cover. The album was mastered by Jeff Saltzman (Stephen Malkmus, Robert Pollard, Death Cab for Cutie, The Minders) at Superdigital in Portland, OR. 'The Channel' has certainly hit their stride, accomplishing something few bands do so early in their career, which is to transcend their influences and create something unique and intriguing. This record marks a definite leap forward for the band in sound, texture and structure, and is sure to please old fans as well as make a whole lot of new ones.