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A powerfully honest vocal delivery and dedication to solid songwriting are only start of The Dollar Canon's charm. From one of the most elevating and encompassing trios around comes creative and engrossing playing on all fronts. A propensity for dynamic and emotional variety among and within songs is just another reason The Dollar Canon demands a listener's attention and affection. The group formed in the weaning days of 1998 while songwriter George N. Skaros and drummer Anthony Armstrong were both attending the University at Buffalo. Philosopher and filmmaker originally assembled the three piece with Skaros on guitar, and within a month had recorded their debut EP "ones and zeros." The group has since racked up a staggering amount of regional live performances, sharing stages with the likes of Rainer Maria, Aloha, Juno, Piebald, Owen, The Ivory Coast, Atom and his Package, DMS, and Ours in the process. The year 2000 marked a change in direction for The Dollar Canon as one time Skaros collaborator guitarist Jason Mazzariello was enlisted. Skaros switched to bass guitar and Armstrong took to playing the Farfisa organ and drums simultaneously. Mazzariello brought his eccentric guitar style to the group along with his mastery of layered guitar arrangements while the group benefited from a rediscovered and indefatigable musical chemistry. The new lineup sonically elevated the band, enabling more fully orchestrated arrangements, which had interested but eluded the band in its former incarnation. The Dollar Canon entered the studio in the summer of 2000 to record their first full-length record. The group headed to Boston, M.A. and thesmallchurch studio (Karate, Piebald) to record under the supervision of engineer Bob Logan (of Vic Firecracker). As guitarist Terry Conrad was brought on with equal parts of post-punk power and art school finesse, the band's endeavors produced "Are You Here?" -- an outstanding recording of sonically powerful and intellectually stimulating rock and roll perfect for anyone fond of melody, honesty, and thoughtfully constructed music. After a slew of glowing reviews, "Are You Here?" hit college radio in the spring of 2001 to similar results. On the strength of Skaros's trademark voice and soaring melodies and the band's shared and uncompromising dedication towards solid songwriting, from California to Washington D.C., and from Alaska to Texas and Quebec, the music which started in Buffalo began filling the airwaves in heavy rotation. Dubbed by one promoter as the "indie-rock heir apparent," The Dollar Canon followed their radio success with a string of blistering live shows encompassing the full range of their musical spectrum. As Autumn of 2001 rolled around, and the band entered pre-production on the follow up to "Are You Here?," and Armstrong took the slow down in The Dollar Canon's touring schedule to sign on with Dan Matz's (of Windsor for the Derby) The Birdwatcher (Arena Rock Recording Co), including stateside shows and a European tour. And although the band spent it in the studio, the end of 2001 brought more recognition for the Dollar Canon when CMJ core station WBNY awarded them the top spot on their year end countdown, as the band also placed in the distinction of most underrated band. Few who have experienced The Dollar Canon and their engrossing performances, however, would refute this seeming paradox. For those who have allowed the Dollar Canon to become a part of them, the dual distinctions are a natural and inseparable conclusion. For 2002, the band releases the "Future Apartments EP," fulfilling the promise of better things to come written in the tracks of their debut album. Check out the artist's website: http://www.dollarcanon.com Track List: 1. Future Apartments 2. Decorated By Moonlight 3. Striking A Partnership 4. Shoulders Beneath The Sheets 5. Another Night For Goodbyes Suggested CDs:Other Genres:
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