Meet the Band: Thor Platter (vocals, guitar, harmonica), Chris Hanna (keyboards), Billy Crompton (bass), Matthew Knott (drums)
Looking for Sunshine: After honing his chops in Buffalo and widening the scope of his vision in Cleveland for a few years, Thor Platter is now able to highlight his personal style. His new solo effort, Looking for Sunshine, reels in the work of his past while cultivating new directions for the future. "As with any album, there were a few surprises along the way musically," Platter says. "Originally, I had written 'When Family Lets you Down' as a solo acoustic piece that might not have made it onto this album... and now we've turned it into the closing track with an outro full of sound."
A Culmination of Vision: "Some of these songs go back ten or twelve years," Platter says. After toying around with them and riffing on these familiar melodies in his head for so long, Platter's relieved to finally have them nailed down and recorded. The final product, he adds, is a testament to his formative experiences and the wealth of talent with which he's been able to surround himself.
Keen on Collaboration: The band backing Platter on this project knows how to turn faintly glimmering notions into robust nods to the Americana tradition. "I didn't really feel like I was dictating what the musicians on this album should play," Platter says. "As soon and Chris Hanna started coming up with piano and organ ideas, and Billy was putting little bass fills in, I knew we were headed in the perfect direction."
Why You Should Hear Them: This is music to play as you're about to hit the road and pursue the remnants of long-lost love on the highways of America. Also, if you're simpyly itchin' for some new local music and you've got a hankering for harmonica-laced folk rock.
Where You Can Hear Them: thorplatter.com
Where You Can See Them: The Thor Platter Band performs with Rob Duskey and the Rounders, and Erica Blinn and the Handsome Machine at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, April 5 at Brothers Lounge.
