"Story's End"
"Story's End"
Where one story ends, another begins. For Michael Folds, Dan Lacey and Troy Wickliffe of Orlando, Fla., the three ambitious young musicians put behind them the bands and projects of the past to begin anew with the unbridled rock and roll of their new dynamic trio, Story's End.
The three members draw from diverse yet universally respected influences–Dan, on bass, was brought up in the jazz and American folk rock traditions, while drummer Troy was a disciplined member of the drum corps, effectively forming a melodic yet decidedly precise rhythm section. Lead vocalist and guitarist Michael firmly roots his writing, singing and playing in pure American classic rock.
"We're all very rock oriented. We all have a musical past in some way—and that's just amazing—we've come full circle and that's what we're all focusing on. There's a chunk of music that we all have in common and the rest lends to our musical sound," shares Michael about the group's sound. The lighthearted group relationship adds to their overall sonic integrity. Troy adds, "We have a quirky story—a dynamic of hilarity. It is a rare moment when we're not enjoying our time together."
Two three-day sessions at A1A Audio Productions in Jacksonville Beach with esteemed engineer Daryl Phenneger—who worked on the Red Jumpsuit Apparatus debut recordings—as their recording guide, the band completed a five-song, self-titled EP. The songs are founded on strong, rock beats, searing guitar riffs and driving bass lines and tell their own stories of renewed dreams, lost and found love and the subtle, yet ever-present search for self.
"We all elaborate on each other's ideas," says Michael. "Story's End has been about telling stories through other people's eyes. If I have any person from my past that has gone through something moving, I'll write about it and share their story."
Though it is more than just the songs that have meaning—the band's use of the raven in their imagery tells its own story. Dan explains, "Most people think of as a bringer of death, but truly, in folklore and mythology, it represents the messenger. That's what we aim to be."
The band seeks to tell the stories of others as modern-day bards, managing to simultaneously channel Bob Dylan and Nirvana, with nods to Led Zeppelin.
The EP's standout track "Reason for Now" is universal yet autobiographical, translating the story of death in musical interest and coming back to life as a new and focused band. "It has been a slow road but now we know what steps to take and how best to go about this group. It has been a reawakening of spirits and finding a purpose, a fiery, passionate drive," Michael explained.
Playing and performing with youthful energy, and delivering insightful prose, the lyrics clearly state their reawakening: "Cause I finally found a reason to relive the life that we once knew, now every time I start to fall, it's real or not at all."
Their debut, self-titled EP is available now, and will be followed by a full-length album to be released later in 2014. Until then, the band plans on touring the Southeastern part of the country making new fans and friends, and hearing new stories and tales along the way.