December 1992, ON THE RISE by Debbie Catalano

The Inviting Mr. Flood’s Party

Dreamy, hypnotizing musical entanglements melodically flow out of the opening of “Regardless”, the first song on Mr. Flood’s Party’s recent cassette demo. The song suddenly takes a quick turn into a heavy interlude, bordering on grunge, only to return to the smooth melodious sounds. This one song, as well as their style, band name, etc. are all unintentionally symbolic of what defines Mr. Flood’s Party. The band does not easily slide into one tightly definitive style of music; however most listeners and the band concur that their sound is melodic, alternative synth-pop. “We try to be grungy, but it turns out to be pop - it’s not our fault states guitarist Glenn Young in his deadpan humorous manner. Second in Salem State College’s band competition and also came in second in Grover’s 9th Annual Rock ‘n Roll Rumble. This competition brought them to the attention of a representative of local independent record label, Nirvana Records. So impressed by the band, Nirvana took care of all production and distribution costs involved in the release of the band’s first single, released on “gold vinyl” 45’s. This release led to airplay on WFNX, WBCN, WCGY and Salem State College’s WMWM. In addition, the band gained spots opening for prominent locals O Positive, Cliffs Of Dooneen, Tribe, and Heretix, all of whom Mr. Flood’s Party both admire and cite as influences. Glenn and the rest of the Party, Jaime Bernard, lead vocalist, Chris Shaw, synthesizers, Kevin Levesque, bass and Jay LeFleur, drums are all refreshingly modest, yet confident about this band - the first for all five and the direction in which the group is going. “After three years, it’s focusing more,” says Jaime. The sound is still evolving, “but the audiences like it,” continues Jaime. Mr. Flood’s Party began with cousins Glenn Young and Chris Shaw as teenagers simply deciding to put together a band in 1987; fellow North Shore teen Kevin Levesque joined the band at that time. Two years and several band names later in 1989, Mr. Flood’s Party was complete with Jaime Bemard and Jay LeFleur. All either schoolmates or fellow North Shore residents, the band mentions That they were all friends first before becoming bandmates.

What of the name “Mr. Flood’s Party”? It’s the title of a poem by Edwin Arlington Robinson, and the band in their typical unpretentious fashion does not fake a deep philosophical purpose behind the “poetic” title; they instead state the truth - they were trying to find a name for the band and opened up an old high school poetry book and discovered “Mr. Flood’s Party.” However, in retrospect, the poem does hold meaning for the band. At first reading, the poem seems to be about a lonely man, Eben Flood, who climbs a hill with his Jug” and toasts the end of his life. Yet the beauty of poetry is the unique ability to be interpreted several different ways depending on the individual, and not necessarily meaning something concrete. The band members disagree as to the meaning behind the poem, but it is symbolically parallel the fact as people interpret the music of the band Mr. Flood’s Party in their own way. Now in their early twenties and all college students, Mr. Flood’s Party are young but not falsely idealistic. They began the normal and accepted route by playing every area club - from The Paradise, to the now defunct Grover’s, to Nightstage to the Rat - at times “paying to play” just to get into a club and still hold no grudges. Their current local “claim to fame” is the numerous band competitions that they have either placed second in or have won. In early 1990 the band placed second in Salem State College’s band competition and also came in second in Grover’s 9th Annual Rock ‘n Roll Rumble. This competition brought them to the attention of a representative of local independent record label, Nirvana Records. So impressed by the band, Nirvana took care of all production and distribution costs involved in the release of the band’s first single, released on “gold vinyl” 45’s. This release led to airplay on WFNX, WBCN, WCGY and Salem State College’s WMWM. In addition, the band gained spots opening for prominent locals O Positive, Cliffs Of Dooneen, Tribe, and Heretix, all of whom Mr. Flood’s Party both admire and cite as influences. “There’s great music in Boston," says Glenn, “We couldn’t be luckier to be here,” adds Kevin. Glenn continues on to state, “The best thing about the scene is the good people. Every band we’ve opened for have always treated us nicely.” The band, however, is looking to progress and not to stay in Boston forever. There’s a lot of competition here," says Jaime, “but at least you don’t have to pay to play like in New York and L.A.” As far as Mr. Flood’s Party is concerned, “We’re really starting to spin our wheels now,” says Chris. The band holds no attitude towards their band battle notoriety. In the summer of 1991, they returned to the 10th Annual Rock ’n’ Roll Rumble at Grover’s and this time came away winners - not only with $2,000 In cash and prizes but a great deal of press as well. They continued their “winning streak” this past summer of 1992 by winning the First Annual Bud Band-Off Competition held at Bleacher’s in Salem. Earning more press, rave reviews, and enough money and studio time to begin work on their forthcoming CD, Mr. Flood’s Party emerges with a positive, progressive disposition. They have a likability as people that also transfers to stage, thereby attracting a diverse audience, probably also somewhat attributable to the aforementioned diversity in their music. As they continue to perform, the band is going in and out of both BobCat Studios and Bristol Studios to work on their CD. But they’re taking their time. “We’re not cutting any corners,” says Glenn, “Everybody’s got to be happy with it,” adds Kevin, to which Chris adds, “It’s not cut and dried…it’s kind of good that we’re taking our time.” Once the CD is complete, the band fully plans on promoting it and themselves. “A year and half of work and thousands of dollars into it, you can bet I’II be riding around on my bike selling itto people!” exclaims Glenn. That attitude will continue to propel Mr. Flood’s Party to where they want to be. They are actively seeking management and an eventual indie label deal, anyone interested in this or in the band in general should contact Mr. Flood’s Party (www.mrflood.com)