It took the near-disintegration of their band and personal relationships for John Faye and Joann Schmidt, the last ones standing in IKE, to make the most compelling record of their career. Where To Begin their new 14-song album, puts a magnifying glass to the ups and downs of staying together and starting over...
The Philadelphia rock quartet had enjoyed a satisfying "slow burn" on their way to the upper echelons of the city’s rock scene. Led by powerhouse lead vocalist and songwriter John Faye, the band has wowed audiences since the release of their debut CD Parallel Universe in 2003. Having shared stages with the likes of Bon Jovi, REM, Cracker, Butch Walker, Train, Better Than Ezra, Matthew Sweet, and The Hooters, IKE is accomplishing more as an indie band than many major label acts that get lost in the shuffle. Fueled by high-voltage live shows, unheard of radio play for an unsigned band, and a loyal fanbase which extends far beyond their hometown, IKE has taken its DIY ethic to every imaginable setting, from arena-size concert venues down to their intimate "Living Room Shows." The single "Into Philadelphia," from the band’s 2006 album In Real Life has morphed into a hometown anthem, garnering regular rotation airplay on the city’s legendary rock station WMMR, and getting high profile stadium/arena spins at home games for the Phillies, Eagles, and Flyers. The band received accolades like Philadelphia Magazine’s "Best of Style" Award. But by the end of 2006, IKE parted ways with original members Cliff Hillis and Dave Anthony.
Starting 2007 with a new line-up featuring original member Schmidt on bass, and honorary bandmates Brett Talley (Outset) on guitar and Tom Kristich (Jellybricks) on drums, Faye was once again ready to take IKE to new heights, winning "Best Live Band" in Out & About Magazine’s Reader’s Poll and recording the 14 songs on Where To Begin. Released in the waking hours of 2008, "WTB" shows Faye and company at their best, combining soaring vocals, big hooks, and lyrics that are at once confrontational and confessional. With the hard-hitting single "We Like Sugar" in regular rotation on WMMR and on the station’s "Jaxon’s Local Shots Vol. 4" complilation, IKE is building on the radio success of "Into Philadelphia" and their reputation as one of Philadelphia’s most enduring bands. Ever youthful, ever optimistic, IKE shows no sign of giving up, slowing down, or losing validity, with an album that acknowledges how hard it can be to keep going and rebuild what’s broken, while looking forward to the limitless possibility of things to come.
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