Picture Books is a dynamic five piece from Chicago, formed in 2007 by singer/guitarist Erik Harms, drummer Nicholas Kelley and multi-instrumentalist Nicholas Papaleo. After their debut performance in March of ’07 to a packed house at Schubas, they continued to play throughout the city as they prepared their first album, Maybe, If We Run, released in September of the same year by Bearnose Records.
It was at an “Ugly Sweater Christmas Party” where Picture Books met guitarist Joshua Miller, and it was days later on New Years Eve when they asked him to join up. Previously, he had spent the better part of the decade touring the country as the guitarist for Lookout! recording artist Troubled Hubble. It was during that time he met bassist Kelly Johnson, and it didn’t take much to convince the others that he was the right person to round out the rhythm section.
With the five pieces now in place, Picture Books have continued to play shows in Chicago and throughout the Midwest, writing new material that properly showcases the talents of all its players.
For 2009, Picture Books has a planned series of EP’s to be released on Bearnose Records. The first, Rochelle Rochelle, is a four-song player and will be released on January 2nd with a celebration at Metro in Chicago. Rochelle Rochelle marks a dramatic shift in sound from their debut. The powerful drumming, strong melodic sense, and intricate piano that was always in place is now met with dueling guitars, a tight rhythm section and well-wrought harmonies, all captured and mixed ably by producer/engineer Mike Lust (William Elliot Whitmore, Sybris, Chinup Chinup).
To support Rochelle Rochelle and the ensuing releases, Picture Books will continue to perform regionally, with an East Coast tour slated for the spring. Much more is sure to follow.
They love to play their instruments. They love to play them loud. They do.
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