|
<tfo> started as the main project of Timothy O'Keefe, a culmination of his work as electronic composer, sampler and keyboard artist, producer, student of work as varied as Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, Brian Eno and The Smiths. With the intermittent contributions of various instrumentalists, Tim crafted the first <tfo> album, surface_sounds, largely on his own. It got a positive response and offered many moments of solace and contemplation with its largely down-tempo soundscapes and catchy, lulling melodies. In contrast with this, <tfo>'s largely improvised live sets were becoming ever more intense, at times heavy, dissonant, often danceable. To mix things up and make his two personae less conflicting, Tim brought on board as full members of the band two long-time friends and erstwhile collaborators, guitarist/bassist Ryan Rooney and violist/cellist Matt Everett. In the studio these three have crafted a variety of gems, from downtempo electronica to hip-hop-infusions, ominous Eastern-sounding spy music, and even pure pop and heavy rock. In their live shows, usually augmented by a DJ/turntablist - Sensual Dan or, more recently, Mike Hoska - a unique combination of planning and pure improvisational chemistry made for a very exciting, unpredictable performance that served, in various contexts, as a tone poem on our nation's follies, a virtuosic rave-up, or, most importantly, an occasion for the people to get up and dance.
Since then Matt Everett has moved on to pursue personal music projects and grad school. Ryan Rooney has continued to be involved in both the live performances and the recording sessions of <tfo>'s upcoming album, Grand Strategy. Ryan brings an endless supply of guitar hooks and finesse to <tfo>'s sound. Ryan has recently moved to Austin and is acting as a representative for <tfo>, and it's e-label, Cozy Music. Stay tuned this Winter for the new album, Grand Strategy, which combines elements of electronic, pop, dance rock, new wave and world beat. Also stay tuned for solo releases by both <tfo> artists. |
|
