In 1994 in Dallas, TX. Three musicians joined forces to form The Reach. For the next three years, drummer Tommy Watts, bassist Dave Scott, and guitarist/vocalist Craig Miller toured throughout the Southwest, garnering radio play, vigorous CD sales, critical acclaim, and major label interest. The sky seemed the limit for this young alternative trio.
The highlight of this period was the recording of their debut CD Closer with veteran Dallas, TXproducer Keith Rust. Bright spots on the album included the ethereal "Away," the pop ditty "Rules (purebred)," and the creepy title track, "Closer," a musical look into the mind of a stalker. The album received consistent airplay from Dallas area local music programs, as well as national radio play from Baltimore to New Orleans to Atlanta. After putting on strong shows with The Samples and Deep Blue Something, the band had major label interest, lots of new material, and a seemingly bright future. But in the words of VH1's Behind the Music, "That's when it all fell apart."
Personal issues and creative differences caused the band to split in 1997. However, the band's music continued making waves despite the breakup. The advent of the internet and MP3 has exposed The Reach to boundless new markets, and people seem to be finally catching on to this overlooked band. Since 2000, The Reach has had nearly 40,000 downloads on MP3.com, with new demos like "You," "Mistress," and "All Right," cracking MP3.com's Alternative Top 10.
Now, after an 8 year hiatus, The Reach returns with their second release, the stunning Lift. Drummer Tommy Watts and guitarist/vocalist Craig Miller have reunited, sans Dave Scott, to record a collection of material both old and new, that should put The Reach back on the musical map for good. Miller, now living in New York City, recorded and produced the bulk of the record from his East Village apartment, while drums were recorded by Watts in Dallas. "The strange thing is that the first record sounded more like a studio project, and this new one sounds like a live band on stage. Maybe I'll move to Australia for the next one," says Miller.
The album contains an eclectic mix of alternative rock tracks, paradoxically opening with a song called "Goodbye," a classic angry break up song, featuring a blistering drum performance from Watts, and Harlem rapper Shakka on ad lib duties. "Show" is a straight up rocker with a radio friendly hook. "Eavesdrop (for Caddy)," is a shimmering piece of melancholy inspired by William Faulkner's The Sound and the Fury, while "All Right," and "Throwaway" are showcases for Miller's lush textured guitar style.
What's next for The Reach? The band is planning an aggressive marketing plan for Lift, focusing on the internet and college radio. Miller is planning several acoustic performances this summer in New York, and there are tentative plans for a short tour of the Southwest in September.
Read more...