Sounding like a fresh combination of Brand New and Balance and Composure, reverb rockers Northernmost are set to take their place in today’s music scene. The Massachusetts-based quintet has been steadily gearing up for the release of their new Pinedale EP, due out September 18 (tomorrow!) through Rude Fox Records. Pinedale takes the band in a direction that they had never truly explored, and the result is something both fans and new listeners will surely get behind. “The EP is intended to be a brighter and slightly more upbeat release before we get dark on the next one,” says drummer Tyler Bragger. “We’ve been experimenting with more ambient sounds and minimalism which is something that we’re not used to because we’re more of a layered band. We’re working on a ‘less is more’ basis while still keeping the Northernmost sound.” Just a day ahead of the release, AbsolutePunk has the full stream of the project, which can be heard HERE.
- Greenbrier
- Milo
- Cloudy
- Afterglow
Northernmost was founded from the ashes of several local RI and MA bands including The Refraction (Progressive Metal) and Pathfinder (Emotional Hardcore). Tyler Bragger (Drums) and Jesse Field (Guitar/Vocals) came together in the winter of 2013/14 simply to “Write music we like, regardless of genre. We had no plans at the time for the music to become an album or anything more than what it was. We were both so tired and frustrated with the band situation that we wanted something no expectations, just free expression,” says guitarist/vocalist Jesse Field about their origins. “Eventually, after several songs came together I thought ‘hey, maybe I’ll try singing on some of these,’ and it just clicked. The emotion was right and I felt I had a lot to say after recently getting out of a tough relationship, dealing with numerous family pressures, and so on. It was perfect timing.”
Throughout the early months of the year, Tyler and Jesse began finding members to fill out the line up and continue the writing process. Kayla MacNeil (Formerly of local hardcore band The Navidson Record), and Scott Myers (a long time friend of Jesse’s) claimed the guitar slots. After struggling to find a permanent bassist, the band came to friend Alex Coogan to fill in for the long haul.
Drawing influence from bands currently dominating the scene such as Title Fight and Brand New, Northernmost also cites several lesser-known but just as influential bands that have helped them come to their sound. Therefore I Am, Make Do and Mend, and Sainthood Reps as well as local bands that have helped inspire them: Sunlight Alumni (Wilmington, NC), Maker (MA), Aviator (MA), and Native Wildlife (CT) to name only a few have all had an impact on Northernmost.
