The Grownup Noise

Since releasing their self-titled debut in 2007, Boston’s The Grownup Noise have evolved into a rousing indie- pop outfit, bridging the gap between Americana and indie. They’ve performed with everyone from indie rock sensation Thao w/ The Get Down Stay Down to acclaimed Canadian barnstormers Rock Plaza Central and folk troubadours The Guggenheim Grotto; they’ve also shared stages with comedian Patton Oswalt and fellow avant-baroque musicians like Dresden Doll Amanda Palmer.

Fast forward several years and various enriching personal pursuits, and the band is finally celebrating its playful, poignant new LP, This Time with Feeling, released in Spring, 2011. Described by the Portland Press Herald  as a combination of “smart lyrics with keen vocals,” whose “songs are doses of melodic sunshine," The Grownup Noise has maintained and built up its fanbase during the intervening years through a savvy combination of eccentric pop songs, natural talent and determination.

This Time With Feeling was recorded throughout Boston and New England recording studios, a cabin in Maine, and even vocalist/guitarist/keyboardist Paul Hansen’s bathroom, where the band laid down some final vocal takes. The record was mixed in North Carolina by studio wizard Scott Solter (John Vanderslice, Spoon, Okkervil River, St. Vincent, Lost in the Trees), who also performed on several tracks, adding important finishing sonic touches and polishing their textural landscapes.

All five members of The Grownup Noise (Paul Hansen - vocals, guitar, keys; Adam Sankowski - bass, keys, vocals; Rachel Arnold - cello, vocals; and Aine Fujioka - drums, vocals), Dave Middleton (Pedal Steel, Keys) are multi-instrumentalists and equal contributors to Feeling’s umbrella of styles.

Music from their debut was featured prominently during a seasonal climax of MTV’s The Real World, and The Tucson Weekly proclaimed that The Grownup Noise are “a band that revels in the beauty of a simple melody delivered with minimal enhancement for maximum emotional effect.” The Onion’s A.V. Club raved, “The Grownup Noise’s best asset is the songwriting, with lines of love and the changing seasons coming out as gently and colorful as the music itself." Boston’s The Weekly Dig wrote, “When this noise emerges from its shell, it feels so genuine in its simple emotion that you can't help but embrace it.” 

The Grownup Noise has spent much of the past three-plus years since its last record nurturing the band’s skills and crossing the country on five national tours, traveling in a van that ran on recycled vegetable oil and was converted by members of fellow touring mates Piebald. 

With a true love for song, influences range from the Beatles’ and Velvet Underground’s classic experimental songwriting to the modern arrangement and sonic diversity of Stars and Ra Ra Riot. On This Time With Feeling, the band’s musicianship and songcraft continue to evolve with a collection of sophisticated and honest work.

 PRESS

The Grownup Noise’s best asset, however is the songwriting, with lines of love and the changing seasons coming out as gently and colorful as the music itself."

-The Onion, AV Club

“Boston’s the Grownup Noise are one of those perfectly named bands whose moniker sums up their aesthetic to a tee… It’s not surprising that their’s is a musicianship of the first order”

- PopMatters

“One of Boston’s most promising acts.”

- The Boston Globe

“This Time with Feeling, stands apart on musical skill.”

- Flavorpill