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Our fourth installment of Lunarcast features the Los Angeles rock band Amateurs. This break-the-rules quartet began working together behind guitarist/vocalist Keith Waggoner and drummer Stephen Garver as they honed in on what would eventually become the blueprint for their ultimate sound. After moving down to L.A., they added violinist Shannon De Jong and guitarist/vocalist Anthony Puglisi to round out the band’s set-in-stone lineup.

The band began writing their debut full-length Speak Easy throughout 2006, entering the studio in November of that same year to nail it down in the studio. Having already worked with Manny Nieto (Mars Volta, The Breeders) at the Rock Block in Eagle Rock, CA, when they recorded their EP, Hope For The Best, Expect The Worst, they felt comfortable enough with his talents to go back to take care of the full-length. Other collaborators include Dave Trumfio (Wilco, Grandaddy) and Scott Hirsch (The Court & Spark) who helped produce this flourishing record, which captures the sounds of modern soft-rockers like Midlake and Wilco, as well as reaching into the back catalogue to sprinkle in hints of The Byrds, Fleetwood Mac and Fairport Convention. The album is timeless and well-crafted and not exactly easy to define, but definitely belongs in your record collection.

Ground Control Magazine Presents: Amateurs

Production: Augustine Arredondo

More info on Amateurs, including tour dates and to how to purchase Speak Easy