Biography
Flashpapr originated in 1995 when Fred Thomas assembled a circle of musician acquaintances scattered across Michigan to realize his latest recording venture in Ann Arbor. Early material from the project favored spare textures and deeply introspective themes. Founding contributors included Nikkie Margosian of Lovesick, Carrie Smith of the Von Bondies, and JJ Heldman of Ohio. Jacob Danzinger soon came aboard as the ensemble’s violinist. The group’s first release, the Simple Dancing cassette, surfaced in early 1996 on Thomas’s Westside Audio imprint. Thomas and Danzinger commenced live appearances that same spring. Zach Wallace later entered on stand-up bass, allowing the trio to deliver their quiet, somber material across Michigan venues. Their spontaneous approach gradually coalesced into a fixed repertoire once drummer Geoff Streadwick began participating.
During sessions for the album Pain Taped Over (Forever), Streadwick died, leaving the surviving members shaken. The remaining trio nevertheless completed the record and issued it through Westside in March 1998. Ben Bracken entered the lineup late that year, contributing guitar and electronics. The band next partnered with Warren Defever of His Name Is Alive, capturing 1999’s Do What You Must Do at Defever’s home studio. Promotion included a tour alongside His Name Is Alive, during which Ida Pearle joined on second violin. To accompany the fall 2001 road dates the group issued the New Leaves CD, compiling live tracks from concerts and radio broadcasts. Once the tour concluded, finishing work began on the subsequent album, whose orchestral and contemplative character continued to draw admiration from listeners of experimental indie rock.
During sessions for the album Pain Taped Over (Forever), Streadwick died, leaving the surviving members shaken. The remaining trio nevertheless completed the record and issued it through Westside in March 1998. Ben Bracken entered the lineup late that year, contributing guitar and electronics. The band next partnered with Warren Defever of His Name Is Alive, capturing 1999’s Do What You Must Do at Defever’s home studio. Promotion included a tour alongside His Name Is Alive, during which Ida Pearle joined on second violin. To accompany the fall 2001 road dates the group issued the New Leaves CD, compiling live tracks from concerts and radio broadcasts. Once the tour concluded, finishing work began on the subsequent album, whose orchestral and contemplative character continued to draw admiration from listeners of experimental indie rock.
Albums
