Local prog rock band Pharaohs of Rhythm released their debut EP this month, Signs of Life.
Whether multi-part songwriting with crashing symbols, rolling toms, and melodious bass (”The Rabbit”), subtle ambiental moods cut from the So-Cal coast (”You Know the Number”), more traditional King Crimson rock (”North Wind”), or messy guitar reverb matched with ascending riffs that resolve into hippocampus-shrinking fits of paranoia (”Let Your Mind Turn”), Minneapolis’ Pharaohs of Rhythm are filling the previously unfulfilled thinking man’s prog niche with Signs of Life. Stream tracks here.
This week we had the opportunity to sit down with group leader Andy Juhl to discuss the band, the upcoming tour and a hopeful sponsorship from Volkswagen. ..
Who are the Pharaohs of Rhythm?
The Pharaohs of Rhythm consist of me on guitar and lead vocals; my twin brother John Juhl on drums and backing vocals; Brian David on bass, flute, and vocals on one track; Rubber Chickens provide the glue that keeps the band together.
How did you all get together?
John and I have been playing music together since we were 10 years old. Brian and I played together for a couple of years in other projects. In the fall of 2007, the three of us got together to form the Pharaohs of Rhythm.
Who are your influences?
Our main influences are probably King Crimson, Rush, Pink Floyd, Genesis, Jethro Tull, the Beatles and Yes.
Tell me about the new album, Signs of Life.
Signs of Life is our debut EP. It contains 6 tracks of progressive rock bliss.
What was the recording process like?
My wife is a music teacher, so we used her band room to record the instruments. We used all of our own equipment, and Brian did the engineering and mixing. We recorded all of the instruments live, which gives the album a great feel. The vocals were recorded in an empty room in John’s house which has now become his baby boy’s room.
Tell me about “The Rabbit.” Damn, this track rocks!
One of the things that makes this song rock is Brian’s flute solo. Brian is trying to bring back flute rock, and he just might do it. “The Rabbit” is based on the Volkswagen Rabbit that John and I drove during high school. The back cover of the CD shows a rabbit sitting on a Rabbit, and the booklet inside depicts a rabbit driving a Rabbit. Those two drawings alone are well worth the $5 price of the CD! We are hoping for an endorsement from Volkswagen.
What’s new with the band?
We are starting to book shows again after a couple months off to finish our EP. Keep checking our website.
Tour plans in the works?
No tour plans right now. Maybe later this year.
Where can people get the album?
Our album is available to download from our website. The CD can be ordered from CD Baby. Minneapolis shoppers can find it at the Electric Fetus and Cheapo. We will also be selling it at our shows, so come out and see us!
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