...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead | |
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Background information | |
Origin | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
Genres | |
Years active | 1994–2023 (on hiatus) |
Labels |
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Website | www |
...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (often abbreviated as Trail of Dead), are an American
Their latest studio album, XI: Bleed Here Now, was released on July 15, 2022. In February 2023, the band posted on Instagram an image reading "Trail closed" which created rumours that the band had broken up. Although the band still exists, Conrad Keely later clarified they had no immediate plans to either tour nor make any more music in the traditional sense, citing a disastrous final tour, exhaustion, and the inhospitable state of the music industry towards smaller bands as the main drivers behind their decision.[2]
History
Formation
Keely and Reece have been friends since their youth, and originally in
According to the band's website, their name is taken from an ancient Mayan ritual chant which showed a similarity to an ancient Egyptian chant.[4] They have also stated that this is a joke.[5]
Rise and success (1995–2006)
In 1995, Trail of Dead issued their first release, a song titled "Novena Without Faith" on a cassette-only compilation titled Austin Live Houses, followed by another self-titled four-song cassette on Golden Hour.[6] In January 1998, they released a self-titled full-length on Trance Syndicate.
Trail of Dead soon joined Merge Records after the Trance Syndicate label folded. The band released Madonna on Merge in late 1999 and toured the U.S., opening for labelmates Superchunk to promote it. They signed to Interscope Records and released the Relative Ways EP in 2001.
In early 2002, Trail of Dead released
A follow-up EP to Source Tags & Codes was released in April 2003, titled The Secret of Elena's Tomb. The EP contained the electronic track "Intelligence" which featured and was co-written by Tyler Jacobson from A Roman Scandal, Reece's other band.
In July 2004, it was announced that Neil Busch had been removed from the band and
On April 26, 2005, their song "Will You Smile Again For Me" was featured at the conclusion of The Shield's 7th episode of their 4th season, "Hurt".[11]
Post-Interscope era (2007–2023)
In late summer of 2007, Trail of Dead once again toured Europe, this time with drummer Aaron Ford replacing Doni Schroader.
In early 2008, Trail of Dead went back into the studio without a record contract.
In 2012, the band recorded material for a new album in
In May 2013, the band announced a forthcoming EP Tao of the Dead Part III via Twitter.[34] Using PledgeMusic, they were taking pre-orders for special editions of the EP.[35] In February 2014, the band announced a limited U.S. tour focused on playing music from Source Tags and Codes and plans to record their next album, a sequel to Tao of the Dead, in the spring and summer of 2014.[36] In April 2014, they released the album Live at Rockpalast 2009.[37] In August 2014, the band announced their ninth album, IX, using an online jigsaw puzzle.[38] Pitchfork suggested "the arrival at a crossroads" for the band with the album.[39] After a subsequent tour the band, Keely moved to Cambodia and released his debut solo album, Original Machines, in 2016.[40] In November 2017, the band announced a European tour to celebrate the 20 year anniversary of the release of their debut album, Madonna, performing the album in full.
On November 14, 2019, the band released "Don't Look Down", the first single from their tenth album, X: The Godless Void and Other Stories. The second single, "Into the Godless Void", was released on December 6, 2019.[41]
In 2022 the band's latest album, XI: Bleed Here Now was released with
Musical style and influences
The band cites their influences to include
Personnel
- Final line-up
- Conrad Keely – vocals, guitar (1994–2023), piano, keyboards (2010–2020); drums (1994–2005, 2010–2011); bass (1994–1995)
- Jason Reece – drums, vocals, guitar (1994–2023); bass (1994–1995)
- Alec Padron – bass (2019–2023)
- Ben Redman – guitar, drums (2020–2023)
- AJ Vincent – keyboards (2020–2023)
- John Dowey – guitar (2022–2023)
- Former members
- Kevin Allen – guitar (1995–2010)
- Neil Busch – bass, vocals (1995–2005)
- Danny Wood – bass (2005–2007)
- Jay Leo Phillips – bass (2007–2010)
- Autry Fulbright II – bass, vocals (2010–2019)
- Doni Schroader – percussion, drums (2005–2007)
- Aaron Ford – percussion, drums (2007–2010)
- Jamie Miller– drums, guitar (2011–2020)
- David Longoria – keyboards (2005–2006)
- Clay Morris – keyboards (2006–2010)
Timeline
Discography
- ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead (1998)
- Madonna (1999)
- Source Tags & Codes (2002)
- Worlds Apart (2005)
- So Divided (2006)
- The Century of Self (2009)
- Tao of the Dead (2011)
- Lost Songs (2012)
- IX (2014)
- X: The Godless Void and Other Stories (2020)
- XI: Bleed Here Now (2022)
References
- ^ "...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, In Concert". NPR WXPN. Philadelphia, PA. May 13, 2011. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- ^ Conrad Keely (October 28, 2022). "Tour diary excerpts: Most tours are difficult, this one was chaos – Patreon". patreon.com. Retrieved April 5, 2023.
- ^ Deanne Rowley McAdams (obituary), The Olympian, August 9, 2011. Retrieved online 2011-08-15.
- ^ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead // Why is the Trail of Dead?". Archived from the original on September 30, 2005. Retrieved September 22, 2010.
- ^ "Trail of Dead - Interview with Conrad Keely". openingbands.com. Archived from the original on April 18, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ Golden Hour Records (May 20, 1998). "Past Releases-Ye Olde Defunct Catalogue – Golden Hour Records". Goldenhourrecords.com. Retrieved May 28, 2022.
- ^ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: Source Tags & Codes (2002): Reviews". Metacritic.com. February 26, 2002. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Worlds Apart | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on May 20, 2007. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Trail of Dead Bring "Codes" to NY: ...And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead". Rolling Stone. March 13, 2002. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
- ^ Montgomery, James (October 19, 2004). "Trail of Dead Album Postponed Until January - News Story | Music, Celebrity, Artist News | MTV News". Mtv.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Music from the Shield S4E07".
- ^ "Pitchfork: Trail of Dead Announce Replacement Drummer". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on February 15, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead to forgo releasing "so divided" singles, b-sides". Trailofdead.org. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Adweek".
- ^ "Trail of Dead, Dethklok launch second Adult Swim tour >> Tour dates and concert ticket info >>". LiveDaily. October 18, 2007. Archived from the original on March 6, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
- ^ "Exclaim News: Trail of Dead Leave Interscope, Post Scathing Message". Exclaim.ca. October 31, 2007. Archived from the original on March 7, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
- ^ "Trail of Dead Leave Interscope, Reveal Tour Dates | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on February 10, 2009. Retrieved March 4, 2009.
- ^ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead begin recording "so divided" epilogue in austin". Trailofdead.org. Archived from the original on July 20, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | trail of dead to personally document recording process for film". Trailofdead.org. February 25, 2008. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "trailofdeadorg's Channel". YouTube. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Trail of Dead Readies New 'Century'". Billboard.com. December 9, 2008. Archived from the original on February 24, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "Trail of Dead Offer New EP as Album Teaser | Pitchfork". Pitchforkmedia.com. September 10, 2008. Archived from the original on January 30, 2009. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "the official unofficial trail of dead fansite | new, independent trail of dead album due in september". Trailofdead.org. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved February 23, 2009.
- ^ "The Artwork of Conrad Keely : News". Trailofdead.com. September 15, 2010. Archived from the original on January 31, 2011. Retrieved September 22, 2010.
- ^ Midnight, Kid. "Trail of Dead sign with Superball Music and begin work on new album". Tiny Mix Tapes. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
- ^ "Trail of Dead Announce New Record". Pitchfork. November 10, 2010. Archived from the original on November 13, 2010. Retrieved November 19, 2010.
- ^ Corcoran, Michael (February 17, 2011). "Austin TX music: Music listings, bands, music news, reviews, SXSW and ACL". Austin360.com. Retrieved February 23, 2011.
- ^ "Twitter / realtrailofdead: @Modulor_Man New LP being". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 23, 2012.
- ^ entertaim.net (October 25, 2012). "Conrad Keely about Horus Sound Studio Hanover /". Retrieved October 25, 2012.
- ^ Trail of Dead Announce New Album, Pitchfork August 22
- ^ "Б─╕AND YOU WILL KNOW US BY THE TRAIL OF DEAD: : premiere brand new track of the new album & announce album title and release date!". Superball Music. Retrieved August 23, 2012.
- ^ "And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead ready new LP". Brooklynvegan.com. September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
- ^ Ryan Reed (September 25, 2012). "Song Premiere: . . . And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, 'Catatonic' | Music News". Rolling Stone. Retrieved October 1, 2012.
- ^ "Twitter / realtrailofdead: Tao Part III has launched!". Twitter.com. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
- ^ "And You Will Know Us By TheTrail of Dead: Tao Of The Dead Part III". PledgeMusic. Retrieved May 29, 2013.
- ^ "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Playing 'Source Tags & Codes' on North American Tour, Prepping 'Tao of the Dead' Sequel". Exclaim.ca. Retrieved February 14, 2014.
- ^ "Live at Rockpalast 2009 - ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead". AllMusic. Retrieved November 11, 2016.
- ^ "...And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead Announce IX With Digital Jigsaw Puzzle". Stereogum. August 14, 2014. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ^ Berman, Stuart (October 21, 2014). "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead: IX Album Review". pitchfork.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ^ "Conrad Keely: Original Machines Album Review | Pitchfork". pitchfork.com. Retrieved January 28, 2018.
- ^ Minsker, Evan (November 14, 2019). "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead Announce New Album, Share Song: Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved November 15, 2019.
- ^ O'Neal, Sean (March 16, 2022). "How Austin Punk Band Trail of Dead Survived a "Perfect Album" and "Young Devilry"". Texas Monthly.
- ^ Annie Zaleski (January 23, 2020). "Arty rock band ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead returns to Las Vegas after a lengthy absence". Las Vegas Weekly. Retrieved February 9, 2020.
[We're] using some keyboards that are sort of synth-y and '80s-sounding and bringing that into the mix of our noisy guar itrock—not doing it in a New Wave fashion but that darker pop. I love Echo & The Bunnymen and Bauhaus and all of that music, and there's definitely British influence to our music.
- ^ Keely, Conrad (2012). "...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead". Superball Music. Retrieved September 10, 2014.