The Exquisite Taste of Plain Water (ETPW) is a Northwest-based band whose classic yet invigorating sound blends elements of Classic Country, Americana, Pop, Outlaw Country, and Rock. Built around the expressive songwriting of Paul Bond (vocals, guitar) and Jimi Evans (vocals, guitar), the group is rounded out by Eric French (drums, vocals), John Christoffersen (bass), and Jeremy Knuth (keys, vocals). ETPW’s approach remains rooted in authenticity - music driven by honest lyrics, powerful harmonies, and songs that resonate long after the last note fades.
Their new album, Sailor Songs or Battle Hymns, marks a major artistic leap for the band. The ten-track collection - equal parts intimate storytelling and dynamic musicianship - dives deep into themes of love, loss, hope, desperation, and redemption. Initial tracking took place at Jackpot Studios in Portland, OR, with final recording and mixing guided by legendary engineer/producer Jeff Stuart Saltzman (Death Cab for Cutie, Stephen Malkmus, Blitzen Trapper, etc.). The album was mastered by acclaimed engineer Dave McNair (Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson, Drive-By Truckers, etc).
ETPW’s creative reach extends beyond the studio. Emmy Award–winning director Ian Southworth of Milkman Pictures followed the band over several years, producing both a short documentary chronicling the recording of “The Drifter” and a three-part documentary series on the making of the new album. The band also collaborated with Trap Door Brewing in Vancouver, WA on “A Wolf Inside,” a New England–style IPA named after a track from their debut album. Each can of the beer included a free download of the song, earning rave reviews from beer lovers and music fans alike.
Though ETPW has garnered growing attention in recent years, its members are longtime veterans of the Northwest music scene. Bond, Evans, and French were three-fifths of Portland favorite Throwback Suburbia, a band that released four albums and shared stages with Pat Benatar, Gin Blossoms, Soul Asylum, Everclear, Rooney, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Veruca Salt, and more. Throwback Suburbia earned international airplay, including support from KROQ’s legendary Rodney Bingenheimer. Christoffersen is a respected songwriter and performer who has contributed to numerous top regional acts, while Knuth continues to shape the next generation of artists through his work as a piano instructor.
Fans of Tom Petty, Drive-By Truckers, Wilco, Ryan Adams, and Jason Isbell will find a familiar heartbeat in ETPW’s music. But anyone who loves well-crafted songs, rich harmonies, and memorable melodies is welcome around the band’s ever-burning campfire.
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All are welcome. Come join us.