The story of Felsen begins with drummer/producer Andrew Griffin, heard all over San Francisco and beyond for years as co-founder of the famed East Bay Wrecking Crew, a rhythm section for hire that has supported literally hundreds of local bands over the last six years. As a sideman, Andrew has toured and recorded with the likes of CAKE, Vince Welnick, members of Camper Van Beethoven, Jonathan Richman, Viv, The Bloody Lovelies, and many other great acts both signed and indie.
The influences of these much loved bands, plus a lifetime of imbibing the finest pop music, resonated deep with Griffin and re-emerged as Accidental Drowning, an ambitious melodic pop record that evokes classic Flaming Lips, Wilco, Aimee Mann, and Nada Surf as well as The Beatles, Neil Young, Pink Floyd and XTC. As Felsen’s first album, this delicious twelve-song disc serves up rootsy, richly instrumented songs, with heartfelt playing and singing set in a fully-realized musical landscape ranging from lush and earthy to ethereal and expansive.
A close encounter with a life-threatening illness three years ago left Griffin physically, emotionally, and financially drained, but also gifted Him with a flood of songs dealing with powerful themes that also resonate with the broader expanse of human experience: surviving and catastrophe (Accidental Drowning), ridiculing the ridiculous (Lay Kenneth Lay), appreciating the power of family and friendship (I’m The One That Loves You), as well as healthy doses of playfulness and fun (Heroin, Two Utensils In One).
Fans of the San Francisco roots rock pop scene will appreciate the unique combination of musicians heard in Felsen: Wrecking Crew partner Peter Canton; two long time Chuck Prophet sidemen, guitarist/steel player Max Butler and guitarist James Deprato; Mazzy Star bassist Paul Olguin; two Viv, alums guitarist Michael “Pie Face” Fiorentino and keyboardist Justus Dobrin; plus many other close friends. The CD was produced by Griffin and mixed by Rob Beaton.
Felsen has signed a deal with label Opus Records (home of Bay Area favorites Luce and Blame Sally) to produce a new six song EP, which is already in progress and expected for Spring 2010 release. Currently Felsen can be heard performing as a full band featuring Griffin, multi-instrumentalist Aaron Phillips, bassist Kevnn Robinson, and drummer Mark Bernfield.
Be sure to see this exciting band the next time they come by to rock your neighborhood!
