Album Notes

Born out of friendly impromptu jam sessions, The Otis Problem has developed compelling songs and a strong repertoire. The five-piece band delivers the complete package of straightforward songs, great harmonies, and a toe-tapping rhythm section. The real strength of The Otis Problem is the passion its members have for the music they're playing. The band has actively sought to create a sound that reinvigorates the stagnant alt-country movement with indie-rock soundscapes and folk-rock sensibilities.

The quintet recently finished recording and released its debut album, Places In Between, an 11-song collection, showcasing the band's full range of sounds. Places In Between shows a depth of feeling and emotion that elevates the band's influences from mere elements of style to a triumphant movement. "Places" contains songs that Moran, the former front man of Hazing Kate, described as "surprisingly easy" to work on. With four songwriters in the group, Moran was pleased at how seamless the creative process was. "I sometimes would bring in a skeleton of a song," he said. "Someone else would listen to it and take it somewhere else I hadn't even thought of."
The Otis Problem fills a room with melodic rock performed by musicians with completely complementary styles. Tim Peters' pitch-perfect voice and stellar rhythm guitar and harmonica work fit together with Marty Moran's and Jay Stanek's scorching guitar and piano/organ riffs. Backed by Jason Taylor's rock bottom bass grooves and the driving beat of Mason Payne's drums, Otis creates a sound that is reminiscent of The Band, the Jayhawks, Wilco, and Uncle Tupelo.
The band's songs run the gamut from pop to rock to folk to blues. The Otis Problem has established itself as a rock outfit that will have your toes tapping to the unique imagery of the well crafted compositions. You can keep up to date with The Otis Problem’s news, touring info, and booking contacts through www.myspace.com/theotisproblem.