| As musicians sharing
an obsession with technology and creativity, Sound Mind delivered
its volatile brand of rocktronica with a melodious deluge
of pulsating rhythms and multi-textured soundscapes. Although
taking a hi-fi approach to DIY indie rock was regionally rare
(if not controversial) at the time, the Cincinnati-based quartet
(quintet up until 1998) made the most of the 1990's by crafting
an experimental electro-rock sound that was equal parts aggressive
and involving.
Comprised of vocalist Al Early, guitarist Greg Snyder, bassist
Christopher Foley, keyboardist Eric Eichhorn, and drummer
Keith Adams, Sound Mind excelled in catchy, quirky, grit-meets-groove
compositions. Any instrument, acoustic or electronic, was
fair game as a tool in constructing their songs. From the
superheavy grinders like 1994's "Crave" and 1999's "A Day
That Never Was" to the smooth, ethereal R&B flavorings
of 1997's "A.D.D." and 1999's "Freeze," their variety of offerings
also illustrated the dare and the passion in their musical
approach. Lyrically, wordplay and subtle humor often explored
the darker complexities of the human condition. The result
was a neopsychedelic sonic assault that would keep you singing
along to the rattling of your bones.
Their self-titled CD on Acid Itch landed solid rotation on
over 400 college stations in the US and Canada, and the single
"Scatterbrained" went Top 10 for 2 weeks on WOXY
Radio in Cincinnati/Dayton. Known for their high-energy
light-and-sound shows, they often shared the stage with similarly
explosive acts like Filter, Meat Beat Manifesto, Sister Machine
Gun, Dink, and others. |
|
Clockwise from lower-right: Al Early, Greg Snyder, Chris Foley,
Keith Adams. Not pictured: Eric Eichhorn.
|
| When Foley left the band amicably
in 2000, the decision was made to respectfully retire Sound
Mind. However, the remaining members continue on with various
musical endeavors. With the addition of Cincinnati music scene
veterans Chuck Davis and Nathan Horney, they created the power-pop-rock
outfit 1000 Watt
Revival. Adams' solo modern rock project, The
Proper Authorities, sees its debut album release in 2006
on Talon First Records. |
