Florida

Originating in the Minneapolis/St. Paul twin cities, the four members of the enigmatic rock band Florida first united for performances in 1997. They independently issued two distinctive and intricately layered pop/rock albums: the somewhat raw-edged Golden Sun Songbook in 1997 and the more refined Drum Solo on the Bumpers in 2000. Although the young group committed certain expected errors, these lapses actually heightened their apparent spontaneous brilliance, making both releases exemplary instances of pop and rock songcraft. At once entertaining, emotionally resonant, and enduring, the records survive as largely overlooked treasures. Free of artistic pretensions or ego, Florida divided songwriting and lead vocal roles among the members, yet guitarist Tony Mogelson supplied the bulk of the material and thereby functioned as the informal frontman. Strikingly, all four players shared a keen melodic sense and a talent for inventive execution. Each proved an able vocalist as well, producing the albums’ signature three-part harmonies and strategic brass parts—Florida’s instantly identifiable hallmarks. The absence of wider recognition is puzzling, given scant touring support for the recordings, minimal attention to promotion, and the band’s fundamentally elusive profile. Playing live only sporadically and sometimes abstaining for years, the group nonetheless maintained a loyal following in the Minneapolis/St. Paul region, a testament to the lasting quality of its music. Without any official word on future plans, a reunion now seems improbable. Guitarist Mike Brady continues performing with the neo-swing/country outfit Accident Clearinghouse, appears occasionally with the party pop act Walker Kong, and leads his own project, the Mike Brady Trio. Bassist Peter Robelia also works with Walker Kong, while drummer Kevin Riach resides and teaches in Hawaii. Tony Mogelson, the closest Florida came to having a frontman, remains absent from public view.