...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead

…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead

...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead in Vancouver, March 2009.
Background information
Origin Olympia, Washington, United States
Genres Post-hardcore, alternative rock, indie rock, progressive rock, math rock, art rock, noise rock (early)
Years active 1994–present
Labels Dine Alone, Superball Music, Justice, Interscope, Merge, Trance Syndicate, Richter Scale/Universal[1]
Associated acts Mukilteo Fairies, A Roman Scandal, Forget Cassettes, TheSTART, Midnight Masses
Website trailofdead.com
Members Conrad Keely
Jason Reece
Autry Fulbright II
Jamie Miller
Past members Neil Busch
Kevin Allen
David Longoria
Clay Morris
Deanne Rowley
Doni Schroader
Danny Wood
Jay Leo Phillips
Aaron Ford
Paul Westmoreland

…And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (often abbreviated as Trail of Dead) are an American alternative rock band from Austin, Texas. The chief members of the band are Jason Reece and Conrad Keely (formerly Conrad Sobsamai). The two switch between drumming, guitar and lead vocals, both on recordings and live shows. The band is known for their wild, energetic concerts. Their ninth studio album, IX, was released in November 2014.

History

Formation

Keely and Reece have been friends since their youth; they met originally in Hawaii. They each formed their first band in 1993, soon after moving to Olympia, Washington, where Keely studied at The Evergreen State College. Keely started a band called Benedict Gehlen that lasted only a year. Nancyville was Keely's next project, though it also was short-lived. Reece played drums with Honeybucket and then queercore band Mukilteo Fairies (the name is a play on words, referencing the ferry boat that travels between Mukilteo and Clinton, Washington) while living in Olympia. The two moved to Austin, Texas and started playing as a duo under the moniker You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. The band expanded to include guitarist Kevin Allen and bassist Neil Busch. They then officially lengthened their name to ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead. Conrad's girlfriend from Olympia, Deanne Rowley (later Deanne McAdams), briefly played with them[2] as a live back-up guitarist.

According to the band's website, their name is taken from an ancient Mayan ritual chant, which shows a striking similarity to an ancient Egyptian chant.[3] This explanation, however, is said to be merely an ongoing joke.[4]

Rise and success (1995–2006)

Reece trashing equipment in 2005

By 1995, they had issued their first release (one song on cassette-only compilation called Austin Live Houses), followed by another self-titled four-song cassette on Golden Hour, and in January 1998 a self-titled full-length on Trance Syndicate.

Trail of Dead soon moved on to Merge Records after the Trance label folded. The band released Madonna on Merge in late 1999, and toured the U.S. opening for labelmates Superchunk to promote it. They signed to Interscope Records and released the Relative Ways EP in 2001.

In early 2002, the Trail of Dead released Source Tags & Codes, which received universal acclaim, including a 10/10 rating from Pitchfork Media,[5] later saying it is "one of indie rock's truly epic albums".[6] Their following tour was chronicled by Rolling Stone, with Andrew Dansby commenting on their group dynamic as a "post-punk Voltron, that just might be the most exciting unit working today."[7]

A follow-up EP to Source Tags & Codes was released in April 2003, titled The Secret of Elena's Tomb. The EP featured contained the electronic track "Intelligence" which featured, and was co-written by, Tyler Jacobson from A Roman Scandal, Reece's other band.

In July 2004, it was announced that Neil Busch had been removed from the band and Danny Wood would be taking his place on bass. Second drummer/percussionist Doni Schroader also joined the band around this time. Trail of Dead released Worlds Apart on January 25, 2005.[8] Music videos were filmed for singles "And the Rest Will Follow" and "Caterwaul". The band also added live keyboardist David Longoria to their touring lineup. Now a six-piece, the band toured heavily on the album, with its trademark explosive live performances and a two-drummer attack. Opening for part of this tour was Longoria's band The Black, which featured Longoria on vocals and guitarist Alan Schaefer, with the rest of TOD filling out the group. The band's fifth album, So Divided, was released on November 14, 2006. Clay Morris replaced Longoria as live keyboardist, and eventually became a full-time member.

Post-Interscope era (2007–present)

In late summer of 2007, the Trail of Dead once again toured Europe, this time with drummer Aaron Ford replacing Doni Schroader.[9] Danny Wood was absent from these performances, having quietly left the band. He would eventually be replaced by Jay Leo Phillips. The band provided the soundtrack to the 2007 film Hell on Wheels, a documentary about the formation of Roller Derby in Austin, Texas. After their overseas tour ended on March 15, 2007, the Trail of Dead returned to the studio to begin recording their sixth record.[10] In October they supported the virtual band Dethklok on an Adult Swim college tour.[11][12] In that same month, the band became independent, having left Interscope Records after lack of support.[13][14]

In early 2008, Trail of Dead went back into the studio, without a record contract.[15] Using their own capital, they filmed their recording experiences and released them on YouTube.[16][17] On October 21, they released an EP, resembling an "album teaser", titled Festival Thyme on Richter Scale Records. On February 17, 2009, a 13-track album, The Century of Self was released.[18][19][20] In September 2010, Conrad Keely posted news of an upcoming album 2011 release, produced by Chris "Frenchie" Smith, with an accompanying comic book.[21][22] Frenchie Smith is also set to re-mix their debut eponymous album. On November 10, 2010, it was announced that their seventh album, Tao of the Dead, would be released in North America on February 8, 2011.[23] It was also revealed that the band had stripped down to a core four-piece, and that Jay Phillips, Clay Morris and longtime guitarist Kevin Allen had been removed from the lineup. Circumstances of these departures are currently unknown. Aaron Ford recorded all of the drums for Tao of the Dead, but has left the band. The band performed live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on February 7, 2011, debuting bassist Autry Fulbright II (from Reece side project Midnight Masses) and drummer/guitarist Jamie Miller, of the band theSTART. On February 17, 2011, it was announced that Jason Reece would guest host Toby Ryan's radio show on Austin's KROX-FM (101X).[24]

In 2012, the band recorded material for a new album in Hanover, Germany with producer, Chris "Frenchie" Smith.[25][26] On August 22 the band announced their eighth studio album, Lost Songs, and released song entitled "Up To Infinity", which is dedicated to Pussy Riot.[27][28] Cover art was revealed on September 6, 2012.[29] On September 25, they released "Catatonic" through Spotify.[30]

In May 2013, the band announced a forthcoming EP Tao of the Dead Part III via Twitter.[31] Using PledgeMusic, they are taking pre-orders for special editions of the EP.[32] In February 2014, the band announced a limited U.S. tour focused on playing music from Source Tags and Codes and plans to record their next album, a sequel to Tao of the Dead, in the spring and summer of 2014.[33] In August 2014, the band announced their ninth album, IX, using an online jigsaw puzzle.[34]

Musical style and influences

The band themselves claim to be influenced by Fugazi, Melvins, Bikini Kill, KARP, Unwound, Sonic Youth, Led Zeppelin, Rush, Genesis, Pink Floyd, Public Enemy, Yes, J.S. Bach and Vivaldi, amongst others.[35]

Personnel

Current lineup

Former members

Discography

Albums

Year Album UK
[36] 		US GER
[37] 		Label
1998 ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead – – – Trance Syndicate
1999 Madonna – – – Merge Records
2002 Source Tags & Codes 73 – 64 Interscope Records
2005 Worlds Apart 92 88 40 Interscope Records
2006 So Divided 190 188 72 Interscope Records
2009 The Century of Self – 169 38 Richter Scale/Justice Records
2011 Tao of the Dead NA NA 18 Richter Scale/Superball Music
2012 Lost Songs 47 Richter Scale/Superball Music
2014 IX – – 63 Superball Music

Singles

EPs

Split EPs

Other appearances

"Let It Dive" from Worlds Apart was featured on EA Sports' MVP Baseball 2005

Music videos

References

  1. ↑ Jonathan Cohen (August 25, 2008). "Trail of Dead Storms Back on New EP, Album". Billboard. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  2. ↑ Deanne Rowley McAdams (obituary), The Olympian, August 9, 2011. Retrieved online 2011-08-15.
  3. ↑ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead // Why is the Trail of Dead?". Web.archive.org. Archived from the original on September 30, 2005. Retrieved September 22, 2010.
  4. ↑ "Trail of Dead - Interview with Conrad Keely". openingbands.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  5. ↑ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Source Tags & Codes (2002): Reviews". Metacritic.com. February 26, 2002. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  6. ↑ "Worlds Apart | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on February 12, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  7. ↑ "Trail of Dead Bring "Codes" to NY: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead". Rolling Stone. March 13, 2002. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
  8. ↑ Montgomery, James (October 19, 2004). "Trail of Dead Album Postponed Until January - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  9. ↑ "Pitchfork: Trail of Dead Announce Replacement Drummer". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  10. ↑ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead to forgo releasing "so divided" singles, b-sides". Trailofdead.org. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  11. ↑ "Adult Swim Goes on Tour".
  12. ↑ "Trail of Dead, Dethklok launch second Adult Swim tour >> Tour dates and concert ticket info >>". LiveDaily. October 18, 2007. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
  13. ↑ "Exclaim News: Trail of Dead Leave Interscope, Post Scathing Message". Exclaim.ca. October 31, 2007. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
  14. ↑ "Trail of Dead Leave Interscope, Reveal Tour Dates | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
  15. ↑ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead begin recording "so divided" epilogue in austin". Trailofdead.org. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  16. ↑ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead to personally document recording process for film". Trailofdead.org. February 25, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  17. ↑ "trailofdeadorg's Channel". YouTube. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  18. ↑ "Trail of Dead Readies New 'Century'". Billboard.com. December 9, 2008. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  19. ↑ "Trail of Dead Offer New EP as Album Teaser | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. September 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  20. ↑ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | new, independent trail of dead album due in september". Trailofdead.org. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
  21. ↑ "The Artwork of Conrad Keely : News". Trailofdead.com. September 15, 2010. Retrieved September 22, 2010.
  22. ↑ Midnight, Kid. "Trail of Dead sign with Superball Music and begin work on new album | News Article". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  23. ↑ "Trail of Dead Announce New Record". Pitchfork. November 10, 2010. Archived from the original on November 13, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
  24. ↑ Corcoran, Michael (February 17, 2011). "Austin TX music: Music listings, bands, music news, reviews, SXSW and ACL". Austin360.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
  25. ↑ "Twitter / realtrailofdead: @Modulor_Man New LP being". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
  26. ↑ entertaim.net. "Conrad Keely about Horus Sound Studio Hanover /". Retrieved October 25, 2012.
  27. ↑ Trail of Dead Announce New Album, Pitchfork August 22
  28. ↑ "Б─╕AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD: : premiere brand new track of the new album & announce album title and release date!". Superball Music. Retrieved August 23, 2012.
  29. ↑ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead ready new LP". Brooklynvegan.com. September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  30. ↑ Ryan Reed (September 25, 2012). "Song Premiere: . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, 'Catatonic' | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
  31. ↑ "Twitter / realtrailofdead: Tao Part III has launched!". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  32. ↑ "And You Will Know Us By TheTrail of Dead: Tao Of The Dead Part III". PledgeMusic. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
  33. ↑ "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Playing 'Source Tags & Codes' on North American Tour, Prepping 'Tao of the Dead' Sequel". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
  34. ↑ …And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead Announce IX With Digital Jigsaw Puzzle - Stereogum
  35. ↑ Keely, Conrad (2012). "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead". Superball Music. Retrieved September 10, 2014.
  36. 1 2 3 Roberts, David (2006). British Hit Singles & Albums (19th ed.). London: Guinness World Records Limited. p. 23. ISBN 1-904994-10-5.
  37. ↑ "search on charts.de". charts.de. Retrieved October 12, 2011.
  38. ↑ "New ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Video – "Isis Unveiled" (Stereogum Premiere) – Video". Stereogum. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved April 15, 2009.
  39. ↑ …AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD: video premiere: “Summer Of All Dead Souls” Superball Music

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