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Originally comprised of guitarist and keyboard player Philip Jamieson, guitarist Calvin Joss, bassist Christ Friedrich, and drummer Joe Vickers, Caspian initially formed in 2003. After developing an early demo tape in which to sell at shows and send to labels, the group spent the majority of 2004 and 2005 on tour, opening for the likes of Japanese post-rock band Mono. Following a successful run of shows Caspian signed with Dopamine Records who issued the band’s debut EP “You Are the Conductor” in November 2005. In support of the record Caspian headed out on a modest tour of the North East before embarking on their debut national tour in April 2006.
Once again released on Dopamine Records, Caspian’s debut full-length album “The Four Trees” arrived in April 2007. Voted the No. 1 album of 2007 by The Silent Ballet, the record did wonders for the band's post-rock reputation as well as expanding their fan base beyond the genre. Guitarist Calvin Joss departed the band ahead of the supporting tour and was replaced by former The Fly-Agaris Sky member Erin Burke-Moran. Caspian’s sophomore album “Tertia” followed in August 2009, which, like its predecessor was recorded with Ethan Dussault at the production reigns. The record was followed by the band’s most extensive touring to date, with two huge European tours and a two-month North American tour.
In 2011 the band performed at the 2011 SXSW Festival before heading to Europe for an eight-day tour of Germany, Poland, and the Netherlands. Caspian’s third album “Walking Season” arrived in September 2012 and was promoted on tour in support of Minus the Bear. The live EP “Live at Old South Church” subsequently arrived in 2012, followed by the EP “Hymn For the Greatest Generation” in 2013.
Epic band, epic gig, epic support act. All in a solid gig venue with an eager crowd. The sound was spot on, the mix of new songs off 'Heirs' and older stuff was well thought through in terms of placement/arrangement and it all came together like a galactic rock dream.
Despite being delayed by TWO breakdowns on the road to Madrid AND getting told by the management to clear out early (boo!), Caspian blew the roof off. This was my first time seeing them after about two years of following them closely, and it was well worth the delays and the curtailed show.
You can expect to do a lot of head-banging to some of their music; it's got a badass metal vibe, just instrumental. What makes them unique, then, is their versatility, because some of their songs will leave you close to tears. The final song they performed was "Gone in Bloom and Bough," and it began with a minute-long recording of Bluebird, by Charles Bukowski. Bukowski concludes by asking us if we weep--and this 10+ minutes song is enough to do so. It starts and ends with a crescendo of guitars and ambient sounds--not quite like something Sigur Ros does occasionally, but not far off--and leaves you with chills. If you're new to post-rock and want to experience it in all its emotive ups and downs and gloriously undulating songs, Caspian is a great band to start with.