Biography
Philadelphia-based Constant Recourse combines acoustic, rock and electronica elements with well-crafted lyrics, melodies and harmonies to form a balanced rock/pop sound. Formed in early 2006, the members (Ben Mell-acoustic guitar/lead vocal, Matt Gore-keys, Luke Patterson-drums, Dalton Greiner-bass, Zack Groff-electric guitar, Jessica Benash-vocals) initially met and created Constant Recourse while playing in a church band together. "'Recourse' highlights the fact that we all need something or someone outside of ourselves to turn to," says singer Ben Mell. Dependence and music has brought this group together and continues to be the focus of their songs as they play across the continental United States promoting their debut album Something Brighter.
SOMETHING BRIGHTER is an insightful album of original songs written, produced and recorded by Ben Mell at Manoa's Studio just west of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Constant Recourse has been compared with the harmonious sounds of Ben Folds the electronic edge of the Postal Service and the early vocal work of Switchfoot. Something Brighter was released in July 2006 on the band's own independent record label Forget Artificial Records. The essence of the record hinges on looking for something/someone worth depending on.
The first four tracks from Something Brighter Soak, When I Walk Alone, Heal and Insecurity explore the belief that there are some things a person can know for certain. There is truth that comes from outside ourselves. "I've got a false sense of insecurity" is a lyric that describes the unwarranted insecurities we sometimes embrace as fact. The title track "Something Brighter" reflects on the good in life and fights against the despair that seems inherent in living from one day to the next. The songs begin to focus on honest, complex questions that are not to be answered with hastily offered cliches, but mulled over with the weightiness due them. "How can you say", for example, addresses the frustrating question of why good people suffer. "I know I can't answer your questions," it says, "but I question too. And this peace I know passes what I know". Finally, the album ends with "One more love song", a song highlighting that while love songs can indeed be tired and trite, their worth is regained as long as they are real and heartfelt. "This song's been overdone and overplayed and it seems a waste of time to some but... I am your song."
Constant Recourse has played US dates in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, Midwest, South and nearly reached the West Coast when they played six shows in New Mexico. They have played in listening rooms, cafes, rock clubs and non-traditional venues including churches, retreats, fundraisers and Universities. In May of 2006 Constant Recourse was selected in the nation-wide Band With A Mission competition and showcased at Nashville's Rocketown. During the summer of 2007, they toured with the Extreme Tour and played at thirteen venues in addition to those booked by the Extreme Tour. They are currently recording a new CD, playing locally, leading worship at their home church, and planning for Summer 2008.
Contact:
Ben@constantrecourse.com
Constant Recourse
c/o Benjamin Mell
405 Kenmore Road
Havertown, PA 19083
484.995.7800
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