"Their songs are simple enough to be catchy and stick in your head, but complex
enough to warrant repeated listens, making Fiction the kind of CD in my collection
that is going to get a lot of play."
Julia Eaton, NadaMucho.com
(Read more>>Nada Mucho)
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7|20|05
”...the raw tools and talent generally endemic to superior rock & roll...
Fiction's smartly crafted melodies are well served by a nuanced, spacious sound that suggests
a wide range of influences but pays blatant homage to no one source in particular --
AMG
(Read more>>All Music Guide)
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7|14|05
Live Show Review: 7/11 at Chop Suey
by Katie Sauro thewigfitsallheads.com
"A proclamation was handed down to the slowly gathering crowd at Chop Suey Monday night.
"We're bringing the rock tonight," declared Scott Gallagher, without even trying to hide the
joking smile on his face. But all kidding aside, Gallagher, frontman for local newcomers Key Note
Speaker, was not simply feigning bravado, nor was he simply trying to get a laugh. The foursome
backed up their claim with an intense, emotional set with songs ranging from hair-bandesque
metal to power pop, and everything in between. In short, they brought the rock.
The unquestionably talented band, made up of guitarist and lead singer Gallagher, Ed O'Brien
on bass, Joe Couden on drums, and Chris Olson on keyboards, put on an incredible show, getting
the work-weary crowd (it was Monday, after all) on their feet and dancing along. Much of
Key Note Speaker's success seemed to thrive on O’Brien and Couden’s pounding rhythm section.
The two ensured that every song, even the softer, slower ones, kept up the intensity and the
power of the preceding tune, and really kept the audience engaged. Along with Gallagher's passionate
lyrics and smooth vocals and Olson’s pulsating rhythms, the band created a fun, energetic set
of original rock.
Key Note Speaker played songs from their recently released debut album, entitled Fiction, and even
threw in a Tom Waits cover. The boys seemed to enjoy their time in the spotlight. They just
couldn't help getting into their own songs and really having fun– smiling, joking, and rocking out
with each other. Olson even had to part with his Rivers Cuomo glasses for several songs
so he could pound on the keys and dance freely without having to worry about them falling off."
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6|19 - 6|25|05
KEY NOTE SPEAKER is the featured band in the Seattle PI's Seattle Noise Section.
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5|27|05
Outside Folklife, a local legend sits in:
"...Endino, who is also at work on his first solo album in 12 years, is scheduled to play with Upwell
at the Central Saloon at 10 p.m. tomorrow ($8). Another of Endino's recent recording projects,
the promising Key Note Speaker (formerly known as Coriander), is also on the bill."
Night Watch, Tom Scanlon
The Seattle Times
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5|1|05
"The debut full-length from this Seattle quartet is a brilliant bit of modern, alternative ethos.
With a sound that often could be mistaken for a new R.E.M. disc, this band captures the perfect
melodies, the perfect harmonies, and the perfect attitude. This band has the knack of
writing tunes that wrap around your brain (such as the second track, "What Went Wrong") that
will probably get picked up as rotation radio play tune.
They've already been embraced by one of the newest players in the music world, Starbucks, who've
put two of the band's songs in their regular playlist. With that much caffeine behind you, how could
you go wrong? These guys are the real deal. They have the talent and the sensibilities to
make a really big splash in the industry. This is a beautiful first album by a band that is
destined to succeed."
Skratch Magazine
www.skratchmagazine.com
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3|18|05
"And the eclectic local power pop band Key Note Speaker plays the Crocodile,
but if you could catch them on Wednesday at El Corazon (7 p.m.; $8).
The band's debut release, "Fiction," contains a couple of true gems."
Club Beat, Tizzy Asher
The Seattle PI
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3|7|05
"...Key Note Speaker provesanother bland pop-rock band destined to a short
life on the airwaves of college radio. Take warning, however, with each spin of fiction, the
album infects your mind a little bit more. Key Note Speaker plays familiar music that simultaneously
feels alien to your ears; definitely not another formula band."
Read More
Daniel Beer
The Wig Fits All Heads
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2|13|05
"Key Note Speaker's brand new release was one of those records I liked the first time I heard it,
really liked the second time and then loved the third time around....plus I don't have the time
to be reviewing anything 3 times all the way through. Its solid from start to finish and should
have people excited to see where they go from here. I know I am."
John
The Morning Show with John Richards
KEXP 90.3 Seattle
KEXP 91.7 Tacoma/Olympia
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10|30|04
"In a bit of relief, I just spent the past week with a new band called Key Note Speaker, who
have more of an REM vibe. The music was pop, kinda jangly with very tasteful keys and good
melodies. Good players, good songs, lots of space and dynamics in the arrangements...
a total pleasure to record."
Jack Endino