Local band tells the story using more than four chords

by Sarah Laubacher
Staff Writer

Although local band The Story Of prides itself on song structures that are more progressive than pop, their lengthy, electronic-enhanced epics remain accessible by emphasizing intense melodies, interesting harmonies -- and inserting screams sparingly.

The band has maintained their current lineup since last spring: Jon Gibbs on drums, Dave McCully as lead guitarist, Jeremy Gordon playing bass, Alex Huff providing guitar and vocals, and Christman Hersha on keys/effects and vocals.

The Story Of could be considered "progressive" in every sense of the word -- whether referring to the 1970s-based style of music or to the always-increasing cohesiveness of the group.

Gordon said the term applies to “progressing” through a song ­ songwriting that does not follow a stagnant line, but contains several movements, changes in structure and peaks and valleys of emotion. It is more than the basic four-chord repetition.

“It's more fluid than standard verse/chorus pop,” Hersha said. “When I hear progressive music it sounds like it was written for an orchestra.”

Gordon said his bass lines have evolved from traditional to orchestral because a standard bass part does not quite fit into The Story Of's song set-up. Gibbs' drumming has become more varied since the band's EP, Ergots of Rye, and screaming parts are more prevalent as percussion than as a melodic tool.

“We pretty much toned it down once we found our foothold,” Hersha said.

At first the band's lyrics were often substituted by vocal-chord-shredding screams, but now they are concentrating more on harmonies -- with vocal parts and guitar work.

“Very rarely do Alex and I play the same thing at the same time,” McCully said. “There is so much you can do with two guitars ... so many melodies and harmonies out there, you shouldn't waste them on playing the exact same power chord.”

Hersha said McCully excels at manipulating his guitar and has mastered the art of feedback. “Dave is excellent at coloring in some of the stuff -- his guitar sounds like butter,” he said.

Hersha said that he or Huff will come up with basic song ideas, but leave timbre and context to be discerned by individual members. He has started using a computer to compose, and consequently focuses less on separate parts and more on imagery -- creating an aesthetically pleasing, organic song foundation.

The band uses technology to their advantage in many ways and feels the endless possibilities of electronic-infused rock make for a promising creative -- or even career -- path.

Gordon said, “All we want to do for the rest of our lives is be in the band -- no one wants to do anything else but be in The Story Of.”

IF YOU GO:

What: The Story Of with Hello From Waveland, Collapse and Woody Whatever

Where: The Union Bar and Grill, 18 W. Union St.

When: Saturday, Oct. 26

There will be a cover.