Walden(pond)

In 1854, Henry David Thoreau conducted an experiment in home economics by living in a small, self-built cabin in the woods near Walden Pond in Concord, Massachusetts. His intentions were mainly to conduct an experiment: Could he survive, possibly even thrive, by stripping away all superfluous luxuries, living a plain, simple life in radically reduced conditions? During his voyage of self discovery, Thoreau emphasized the importance of solitude, contemplation, and closeness to nature in his writings; and over 150 years later, a band that shares the same name as Thoreau's book and cabin home, emphasize the same sentiments in their sound.

Walden(pond) is an emerging Grand Rapids, Michigan based trio consisting of Nolan Potter (guitar/vocals/piano), Danny Gilmore (drums/back-up Vocals), and Matt Carey (bass). Much like Thoreau escaping "over-civilization...in search of the raw and savage delight of the wilderness," Walden(pond)'s sound avoids the over-produced world of mainstream rock and roll and chooses to exist on the outskirts where their sprightly guitar arrangements dance like water bugs; their bass croaks wildly like bullfrogs in heat; and vocals float and ripple like wind over water.

Earlier this year, the newly formed trio completed their debut album, Like a Jackknife Gleaming, featuring ten serene tracks full of earthy compositions, 90's alternative nostalgia, and hints of psychedelia. The album is now available to purchase and download via iTunes and ready to stream on BandSoup.com.

My personal favorite song, I Get Back, proves that Walden(pond) is a force to be reckoned with. Potter's crafty guitar work and infectious vocals is a perfect introduction to a band that sounds like self discovery, nature, and healthy isolation wrapped in one simplistic package.

Thoreau once said: "Nations are possessed with an insane ambition to perpetuate the memory of themselves by the amount of hammered stone they leave ... One piece of good sense is more memorable than a monument as high as the moon." The members of Walden(pond) have left one good piece of sense with their latest album and it will be remembered.