On the heels of their 2016 EP and 2018 self-titled, full-length album comes 'Sailor Songs or Battle Hymns' - the new album from the Exquisite Taste of Plain Water (ETPW). Comprised of ten brilliant new songs, many of which were written during the COVID pandemic, ETPW has taken a giant leap forward both sonically and musically with their latest effort.
Songwriters Paul Bond (vocals and guitar) and Jimi Evans (vocals and guitar), along with Eric French (drums and vocals), John Christoffersen (bass) and Jeremy Knuth (keys) are the architects behind ETPW’s classic, yet fresh and inspiring sound, which combines aspects of Classic Country, Americana, Pop, Outlaw Country and Rock in a fundamental and honest approach to the art of song that focuses on the authenticity of the lyric. Combining powerful harmonies with seamless songwriting adeptness, 'Sailor Songs or Battle Hymns' tells deeply personal stories of love, loss, hope, desperation and redemption that the listener can not only hear, but feel. It is this engaging and vibrant sound combined with energetic and powerful live performances that always leave listeners and audiences wanting more.
In addition, ETPW has embarked on several collaborations with other notable entities. The band partnered with Trap Door Brewing in Vancouver, WA to release 'A Wolf Inside' New England-style IPA. Named after the song 'A Wolf Inside' from their full-length debut album, the beer was released to rave reviews and as a bonus, each can of beer sold contained a free download of the song 'A Wolf Inside.'
The band has also formed a close friendship and collaboration with Emmy Award winning Director and Producer Ian Southworth, who is lovingly referred to as ETPW's silent sixth member. Ian, who has six Emmy nominations and one win to his credit, founded and heads Milkman Pictures and provides all official videography and photography for the band. Ian was the Producer and Director of 'The Drifter: A Shorty Documentary' which chronicles the writing and recording of the song 'The Drifter' from the band's self-titled debut album. Ian was nominated for Best Director at the Oregon Documentary Film Festival for 'The Drifter,' and festival attendees were treated to a complete showing of the film. In return, Jimi helped score the music for Ian's first full-length feature film 'The Exploding Boy.' The film received many accolades and had a very successful run both nationally and internationally, winning multiple awards including Best Dramatic Feature at the Oregon Independent Film Festival. Ian is also producing a "visual album documentary" that will be released in conjunction with 'Sailor Songs or Battle Hymns.'
Although ETPW has been turning heads over the last few years, it should be noted that each of the band members are veterans of the Northwest music scene with a long list of accomplishments under their collective belts. In addition to several other popular bands, Jimi, Paul and Eric were three-fifths of Portland, OR favorite Throwback Suburbia, which released four albums and performed with artists such as Pat Benatar, Gin Blossoms, Soul Asylum, Everclear, Rooney, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Veruca Salt and many others. Receiving critical acclaim, Throwback Suburbia received international radio airplay, most notably from KROQ’s legendary Rodney Bingenheimer - the “Mayor of the Sunset Strip." John is also an accomplished musician and songwriter and has performed with many top acts in the Northwest. In addition to ETPW, Jeremy teaches piano, helping new generations of musicians come into their own.
Fans of Tom Petty, Drive by Truckers, Wilco, Ryan Adams and Jason Isbell will no doubt connect with ETPW. But anyone that loves well-crafted songs with rich harmonies and catchy melodies will love ETPW.
Our campfire is burning and all are welcome. Come join us.