Cordis (band)

Infobox musical artist|Name=Cordis

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Img_capt=Cordis live in Madrid, Spain
Background=group_or_band
Origin=Boston, Massachusetts
Instruments=
Genre=Post-rock
Chamber rock
Ambient
Years_active=2006–present
Label=Landspeed Records
URL= [http://www.cordismusic.com www.cordismusic.com]
Current_members=Aaron Trant
Andrew Beall
Sam Kassirer
Richard Grimes
Greg Hefferman
Past_members=Dorothy Lawson

Cordis is an instrumental rock band based out of New York/Boston. Formed by electric cimbalomist Richard Grimes in 2001, Cordis has quickly become known as one of the most pioneering groups in the post-rock genre. [1]

Background

"Cordis's" instrumental sound has received critical acclaim for straddling the line between simple beauty and dense angst - driven by Grimes' creative writing in the post-rock tradition. The band's music - which is devoid of any vocals - is typically focused around catchy, introspective melodies submerged in emotive dynamic contrasts - with lyrical analogue keyboard lines, edgy electric 6-string cello countermelodies, and a searing, repetitive electric cimbalom. Grimes has commented on the lack of lyrics within Cordis music, saying:

"People ask us about adding vocals all the time, and it's frustrating because it means defeat, you know? It means our music isn't connecting with them. If you were really listening to what we're doing, you'd know that there's no place to even fit a vocal line in our music. Nonetheless, we always tell them it's a great idea and why didn't we think of that ourselves... [2] "

"

The band has released their debut effort in the fall of 2007 on their own label, Landspeed Records, and have had strong domestic and international sales, largely due to their successful presence on the internet.Cordis' style is influenced by several bands, including The Afghan Whigs, Slint, Mogwai, and The Pixies. Their sound is easily likened to genres such as shoegaze, prog rock, and art rock. While Cordis' sound is far from what would be considered traditional punk rock, the band identifies closely with the punk ethic.Cordis is named after the Latin word meaning "heart."

History

Richard Grimes and Aaron Trant originally first played together at a gig in NYC's west village in April 2002, with the group's original lineup of 2 cellos, 2 percussionists, and Grimes on marimba and cimbalom. In 2003 the band decided to drop one of the cellists and add Sam Kassirer (who also plays regularly with Josh Ritter) on vintage keyboards. Following their 2004 North American tour, the band abandoned their acoustic bearings and traded a traditional cello for a custom-made Jensen 6-string electric. While putting together their 2006 debut, Here On Out, produced by Richard Grimes and Tom Durack (They Might Be Giants, David Byrne), Andrew Beall stepped into the role as drummer, with Matt Smallcomb on percussion. Cordis also added an electric bass to fill out the rhythm section. During this period, Grimes was also working with a team of engineers and craftsmen to develop a prototype for his electric cimbalom - which he now plays exclusively with the group. The band is currently working on their sophomore release, tentatively titled Seems.

Trivia

* Most of Cordis' instruments are one-of-a kind, custom made for the group

* Richard Grimes' electric cimbalom was made for Cordis by Mark Pyle (frame and body), Kent Armstrong (magnetic pickups), Alex Udvary (soundboard, strings).

* Greg Heffernan's 6-string electric cello was made for Cordis by Eric Jensen/Jensen Instruments.

* Andrew Beall's percussion setup (which is basically a cage with moveable parts) was made for Cordis by Mark Pyle/Pyle Percussion.

* The poles and frame of Andrew Beall's percussion setup are actually pitched, and are played at various points throughout their shows.

* From Sam Kassirer's dual affiliations with Josh Ritter and Cordis, the two group's tend to share players and equipment from time to time.

* Dorothy Lawson, the cellist on the group's debut release, also plays regularly with Ethel.

* Richard Grimes is the founder and Executive Director of Fearless Sonic, a 501c3 (not-for-profit corporation) that supports "performing artists in the United States that exhibit exceptional new ways of thinking about music."

Discography

Here On Out (Landspeed Records)

Covers

UK post-hardcore band Thurman recorded a cover of Part I from Fifteen Minutes in 4 Parts that was rumored to be for a compilation album; the track later appeared as the bonus song for the UK and Japanese releases of Safe at Home.

Sono Quartet released the song "One Year and a Day" on.Magnum Hope Us

Notes

*Music Now - Interview with Cordis
*Billboard Magazine - Cordis - You Hardly Know Us
*Time Out New York - The Way It's Going to Be: Cordis Interview
*Magnet - Apologies in Advance: Cordis Interview

External links

*Official Website: http://www.cordismusic.com/
*Cordis at Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cordispace
*Cordis collection at the Internet Archive's live music archive