SKELETONBREATH

Skeletonbreath biography
When a band is embraced by both proggers and punkers alike, and describe their music as a cross between "Transylvanian Surf" and "Halloween party music", you know that the experience is going to be slightly unique. And although a lineup that includes a fiddle might relate more to a description recalling HIGH TIDE or early MAHAVISHNU rather than IRON MAIDEN, you might be surprised as it does all three.

SKELETONBREATH is an instrumental rock trio from Brooklyn, New York, comprised of Bob PYCIOR's electric violin, Andrew PLATT on electric bass and Crockett DOOB's drums. The three had played together in a variety of local groups but did not form SKELETONBREATH until 2002. However, the band was not solidified until 2005, when PYCIOR quit the experimental Indie rock band KISS KISS in favor of SKELETONBREATH (which, to add intrigue, created a delicious rivalry between the two groups). With the band set, 2006 saw the release of the self-made album 'Louise'. In 2007, DOOB left to pursue a career in writing, being replaced on drums by Tris PALAZZOLO. This lineup has continued as of this writing, releasing 'Eagles Nest,Devil's Cave' in 2009 on the indie label Ernest Jenning Record Co.

Stylistically, the band is pretty much what they claim. Playing purely instrumental rock, the drums and bass create a tight, fast and heavy rhythm with a great deal of artistic care without sacrificing feeling and texture, switching time signatures and tempos with ease, and the odd guitar line or keyboard part adds a touch of class. The lead instrument in the group is PYCIOR's violin which recalls the Gypsy fiddle of Stéphane GRAPPELLI and gives the songs the character to front the energy of the rhythm section, often adding a Slavic, almost Klezmer feel to the music. SKELETONBREATH is recommended for fans of early MAHAVISHNU ORCHESTRA, HIGH TIDE's jazzier moments, and perhaps Paul Di'Anno era MAIDEN.

- The Whistler -