There are a number of ways to recognize when a band has that special something. At times it can seem nearly impossible to describe the feeling you get when a band just grabs you. It’s the feeling of popping a CD into your stereo and getting chills from the first vocal line to the last snare hit, or the feeling of not being able to look away the entire time a band graces the stage. When it comes to The Morning Light, you realize the devotion of their ever-growing fan base when you hear the whole crowd sing every word to a song that is not even recorded yet. Few bands play with the honesty, intensity, and musicianship of the rock quintet based out of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but if you are lucky enough to squeeze into one of their always packed shows, the experience will speak for itself.
After spending days on the road with big acts such as MxPx, Reel Big Fish, and The Rocket Summer in a band called Transition, keyboardist/vocalist Harrison Wargo and vocalist Bobby Garver decided it was time to begin writing music that had fewer barriers and felt more artistically satisfying. The two longtime friends sat down in a studio and began writing music that would ultimately leave them feeling more accomplished. Finding band members who shared the same goals and visions was critical. Filling in the missing pieces were former bandmate and long time friend Matt Colussy on guitar and backing vocals, Nick Baxter on the drums, and Andy McDonald on bass.
It did not take very long for the boys to make a strong impression. Playing their first show in February of 2007, the band was signed nine months later to the powerhouse independent label Fearless Records, proud home to pop-rock icons At The Drive-In, Plain White T's, Mayday Parade, and The Maine. "We were so excited to sign with Fearless," remembers Bobby. "It felt like it was time to take the next step and Fearless seemed to be the right direction for us." The new record deal, coupled with features in publications such as Alternative Press, Outburn, AMP, and Substream, helped to springboard The Morning Light into the eyes and ears of a whole new sea of fans.
On the heels of a strong EP entitled "The Sounds of Love", released in March of 2008 on Fearless Records, the band jumped back into the studio with producer Matt Goldman (UnderOath, Cartel, Meg & Dia, Copeland) to record their first full length album, “The Morning Light”. The primary focus of the record was to make something the band could not only continue on its natural course stylistically, but also to make something the band could have fun with and experiment a bit. It led to many of the stronger performances showcased on the self-titled debut. The opening track entitled "Wake Up" will instantly capture the attention of listeners and is a perfect snapshot of the band's ability, direction, and sound. While the band certainly has a staple to their sound, the record keeps the listener guessing on tracks such as "Have You Tonight.” “Writing and recording this album allowed us to grow as musicians,” says vocalist Garver. “We learned a lot about our selves and the kind of music we wanted to make. We walked out of the studio better musicians and we had a blast doing it.” The record was completed during the winter months in Atlanta, Georgia in just six weeks, and hit store shelves on August 5th, 2008.
The Morning Light is certainly no stranger to touring. In addition to making bi-coastal appearances at the Bamboozle festivals in early 2008, the band continued to hit the road hard with help from their booking agent Craig Newman at APA (Plain White T's, Mayday Parade). After completing a full US tour with The Audition in the late spring, The Morning Light jumped right back in the van to promote their debut record release all summer long on The Dance Across The Country Tour with The Hush Sound, The Cab and Steel Train. They also toured nationwide with bands like The Rocket Summer, Phantom Planet, and Houston Calls. Quickly becoming known in cities everywhere for their emotional and dynamic performances, Garver says, "We just like to have fun and really get into the music." They are eager to continue their busy touring schedule in 2009 on tours with Ludo and Sing It Loud.
Genuine and heartfelt honesty coupled with meaningful lyrics are what separate The Morning Light from their peers. Irresistibly catchy, curiously dark, and full of surprises their music will keep you smiling, dancing, and anxiously guessing during a pleasing, well crafted mélange of solid pop-rock musicianship. If The Morning Light is not currently on your playlist, stop chillin’ on your couch and welcome yourself to your new addiction.
- Shawn Milke
