Fallow

Two life threatening illnesses, a crisis of faith, a divorce, and a test of the bonds of friendship; what do these themes have in common? It may sound like the plot of a soap opera but this is not your mothers midday melodrama. These are the life and times of Fallow. Though only its oldest member may have reached the tender age of 21, this ripened quartette has a wealth of rather adult experiences. In 3 years together the band has assembled a repertoire of songs varying from the juvenile and naive to the poignantly mature all while maintaining a careful balance of experimentation and pop sensibility. With unparallel drive and chemistry this inimitable foursome have garnered the respect of their peers and received acclaim from record industry professionals. Now, on the verge of the release of their debut EP Cause & Effect Fallow has begun to reach the masses with their catchy brand of pop/rock and in so doing they have become one of the most recognizable and undeniably infectious bands to come out of the Boston area in the past 5 years. Born in the suburbs of Boston, lead singer and sole lyricist Baruch Behrends wasnt always sure songwriting was his calling. I wanted to be a lawyer he chuckles. Both my grandfather and uncle were lawyers and being a musician just never really occurred to me. I didnt even think I could sing. Still Behrends was surrounded by music from an early age. My mom used to play for change on the streets and there was always music playing in the house growing up. My mom has a vinyl collection that could rival most store inventories. The immersion in music from youth is a common denominator among the members of Fallow. Drummer Chris Bouchard was introduced to the drums through his father, an active member of the church band and avid guitar technician. Bassist Sean McCormick picked up the bass after a friend handed him a cassette of Led Zeppelin. And Guitarist Justin Demkos mother has always been a supporter of the local rock scene. Thank God my kids love it just as much as I do cause I would hate to be someone's Mom and have to hear Turn that SHIT down." With this encouragement; lifelong friends Demko and Behrends decided to pick up the guitar at the ages of 15 and 16 respectively. After playing casually for slightly under 2 years Demko and Behrends were introduced to Drummer Chris Bouchard through a mutual friend and the three began jamming during weekend afternoons. I was afraid to show them my songs Behrends confesses. I still wasnt sure I could sing. Until one day I showed Justin one of the songs I had written, A lesson in prayer, and he said we should start a band. After grabbing local Bass Prodigy and unassuming Beverly High School student, McCormick, the foursome quickly began crafting their sound. We probably werent technically the best musicians around States Behrends. I think our song writing was always there though, continues Bouchard. But musically we have progressed A LOT. What began as 4 high school kids that could barely play their instruments quickly grew into a legitimate local act. Playing at talent shows and teen centers Fallows intimate lyrical style and diverse sound coupled with countless irresistible melodies and hooks instantly grabbed the attention of a varied fan base. With only a few shows experience Fallow was chosen to represent the Natick Art Center in the annual 4th of July parade. While buzz began to surround the bands innovative sound their early success would soon be met with personal tragedy. In the summer of 03 Less than a year after there first jam session, Fallows lead singer was diagnosed with cancer. It was definitely a blow. I dont think we ever gave up hope though. It was never as if we thought it was over. We just knew it was gonna take a lot of patience and determination. Behrends muses. It would be two years of various treatments before Fallow would be prepared for a steady tour schedule. Behrends Cancer was not the only medical obstacle the band would encounter. On his 17th birthday, Bassist Sean McCormick would learn he had juvenile diabetes. Already a veteran of hospitals from childhood illnesses McCormick thought he was in for a routine checkup. Diabetes never crossed my mind, he says. The first day they told me I had diabetes, it was such a blur. They threw it at me and just expected me to walk out the door being fully prepared to go out and live my life in a completely different way. It was the combined medical struggles of McCormick and Behrends that inspired the singer to write, Im fine, a tribute to the emotional conditions the two were simultaneously suffering. Its like, yeah youre in this shitty situation and yeah it sucks, but in the end Ill be ok one way or another. People always wonder in those kinds of situations if youre depressed. That was my declaration. Like the song says, Im fine! Behrends candid lyrical style quickly began to resonate with fans. Again he struck a chord with the edgy up-tempo number Shes a hypocrite where Behrends drew on his experience of going through adolescence in a broken home. I think in that situation a lot of kids that age tend to take a side. I took my dads. My mom and I have had a sort of rocky relationship ever since. These honest accounts of both his parents divorce and his bout with Cancer captivated audiences and drew the band closer. With a renewed sense of resolve they held out hope their opportunity to break out would soon come. Fallows opportunity did come in April 2005. Behrends was contacted through the bands e-mail about a local music showcase being put on at the prestigious Hard Rock caf. Under the advice of a friend Behrends volunteered the band. The message said that A&R reps from major labels would be there. If there was a chance to get our music in front of that kind of audience I was gonna do whatever it took to get us there ya know? In the presences of several major labels Fallow preformed and were met with immediate commendation. Major label representatives expressed how they Love the vocal noting Fallows Great Energy and how the band held Great Potential. With the support of the industry it was time for fallow to record their debut EP. Eliciting the talents of producer Steven Slate (Blind By Noon, September Twilight) the boys hunkered down in Bostons Bang Recording Studio. Steve had a real commitment to getting that polish sound, Mentions guitarist Justin Demko. He was willing to hear out our ideas but at the same time add his own flavor to the mix which we liked. As recording drew to a close, Fallow leaked songs from the album in the form of a 3-song demo. Their fan base was rife with anticipation Behrends remembers. Wed bring maybe a hundred demos to shows set them up next to the stage and theyll all be gone before weve finished the 3rd song. Word of Fallows inventive sound spread and they immediately began to play with notable artists such as local Heros and Universal recording artist Ra and Dizzy Reid of Guns and Roses fame. The band has been together 3 years now and their chemistry and talent have never been more evident. Though young in appearance they gain respect with each appearance they make and with every demo they award. Their unmistakably mature sound has received immediate support and as they prepare to release their EP Cause & effect a sense of careful optimism and curiosity overtake them. I think were just excited to finally get our music out there. Weve been through a lot together but I think its all worked to make us better not only as people but as artists. Says Behrends. Armed with an arsenal of unique yet identifiable songs and a live show termed by labels as energetic the band hopes to reach a new audience of listeners. I think part of what we want to do with these songs is put the art back in pop music. And with their instantly recognizable sound Fallow is equipped to leave a lasting mark not only on the Boston local scene but also on the musical populous.