Album Notes

Hailing from north San Diego County, SUITE 100 is a mix of sing-a-long melodies, lush arrangements, thoughtful lyrics and pure pop sensibilities. Core members Matt Mincey (vocals, bass) and Jeff Partridge reunited from their previous effort, the startup band Babelfish, and joined San Diego and LA scene regular Steven Strong (drums) in 2003 to begin work on a collection of musical ideas. In 2005 the labor of love was completed, the self produced debut, In the Night Kitchen.

Ambitious yet inviting, the album is rich with harmony and potent, telling lyrics. Much like the Smiths had done before, the music has been finely crafted, with interwoven guitars (new Webster's entry: Guitarchitecture) over mindfully constructed and often playful rhythms. Partridge's music theory background is clearly evident in his smoldering, robust and swooning solos that are as sweet as any lyric. It's not often enough that music and words can hit you so viscerally.

In the Night Kitchen is a smart initial offering that puts a new face on the pop-alternative map with melody rich songs like "Salvation Amy" and "Serenity" that you'll be humming before they're even over. Showing their breadth on pieces like the tender "Closer" and vast anthemic landscape of "Sleepwalking Wounded", SUITE 100 covers a lot of ground without missing a step.

Anticipating the release of In the Night Kitchen, the group was rounded out by the addition of keyboardist Jess Alexander and backing vocalist Amy Ellevold, each bringing a fresh new ingredient to SUITE 100's live sound. Their energetic and engaging live act dismisses the notion that sophisticated harmonies and ornate arrangements are lost on all but the critics and musical elite. A true original with a warm regard for its musical heroes, SUITE 100 fashions music that can't be overlooked. Demand more from your music. Step in to SUITE 100.