THE BAND

Mount-Joy is a band that began in a cozy basement west of Chicago. It is a musical collaboration that began with two brothers, John and Kevin , during the fall of 1990 and later expanded to include a few drummers along the way.

After graduating from college with a business degree, Kevin embarked on the requisite search for a "real" job and soon found himself turning to more familiar musings. Having spent the better part of his youth playing traditional Irish music, he was keenly aware of the important role music played in his life. He outfitted himself with a Stratocaster and a Fender tube amp and started making a ruckus in the basement. John soon joined him on the bass and they began writing their own material.

The Barry brothers were initially influenced by post-punk music but later drew inspiration from emerging indie and alternative rock bands. Eventually, their sonic textures and narrative songwriting style matured into their own musical imprint: an earthy blend of distortion, driving bass, lonesome lyrics and self-determination.

With a nod to Irish history, the band became Mount-Joy. Mountjoy was an infamous prison where Irish rebels were held in the 1920's during Ireland's fight for independence from British rule. The name, like the band, mixes equal parts history and rebellion.

Mount-Joy recorded a five song demo at Flat Iron Studios in Wicker Park in January of 1991. "All I Want", a standout track, made its way to the Q101 airwaves as part of the Local Music Showcase in November of 1993. Well received at university shows, Mount-Joy made the rounds in several local Chicago clubs from 1992 through 1994.

Both brothers develop lyrics and vocals; the music is a cooperative effort when they find the time. While Kevin claims Mount-Joy benefits from this organic songwriting process, it is more aptly described as "whenever the mood strikes." Mount-Joy's recent foray into lo-fi recording has enabled the brothers to make music at their own pace without formulas or deadlines. Ten years later, their creative energy is still budding.

Mount-Joy's recent recordings evoke more alt-country influences and this genre certainly strikes a chord with the restless brothers. At the end of the day, Mount-Joy aspires to entertain and exorcise life's mundane episodes usually through a mix of self deprecating humor and power pop hooks. As one reviewer put it, "their lyrics are borderline banal but their guitars grab you and refuse to let go." Well, I suppose she overlooked our subtle wit but she got the music just right. Hang on, here we go…

Kevin

John