Somewhere between an electronically charged atomic particle and an algebraic function lay the band FMera (ef-em-er-uh). FMera extrapolates its post-Shoegazeresque era influences from bands such as Ride, Jets to Brazil, Interpol, the Smiths and The Helio Sequence and masterfully weaves them into a mechanically timed and melodically spaced equation of undulating sounds. Heavy layers of rhythm guitar laced and chimed with notes ring high above the vocals, subdued in tone but not in volume. With lyrics such as “turning on the satellites” and “slowing down… break release”, words are not just notes on a piece of paper; rather they are intricate layers of the melodies that form the mind and soul of FMera.

FMera began in late 2005 as Paul Welch and Michael Stauffer began creating and recording original material together. Both had come from backgrounds in music that included solo work such as Michael’s “layover in London” album. Also in 2005, Paul began playing keyboards on a regular basis with the legendary two-tone band, The English Beat. As a full-time member of The English Beat, Paul served on the front lines of an exhausting schedule that would take him through 48 states and three countries. In 2007 alone, he performed in over 120 concerts and in a handful of live radio performances across the United States. He began the year performing with the likes of INXS, UB40, Berlin, the Fixx and the Psychedelic Furs and then completed the year on 311’s “Unity Tour”, opening for Matisyahu and 311.

Recognizing a natural symmetry in musical styles and humbling influences, Paul and Mike began to fuse their ideas together to spawn their new concept. Shortly after conceptualization, there came the addition of Nic Stauber on bass. With Nic blending into the mix the rough edges are drown down with low tones and tectonic breaks. Now, with the latest addition of Kurt Dunlop driving the tempo on drums, the songs are backed by dynamic and technically commanding beats, bringing the band full circle into a new era of Frequency Modulation. In the end for these four, their mutual admiration and drive for creating and recording original material is the foundation for their unique sound. Now deeply immersed in writing and recording this concept, band mates Paul Welch, Michael Stauffer, Nic Stauber and Kurt Dunlop front the San Diego based indie rock band FMera.


FMera's official website: http://www.fmera.com


Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.