Looking for a C-Clamp?

Diving back in time a little bit, I am writing today about Chicago’s C-Clamp. The act consisted of Tom Fitzgerald (guitars, vocals, keyboards), Nick Macri (bass, vocals, percussion), and Frantz Etienne (drums). Originally formed in the mid nineties, the band released two full-length albums and one EP through Ohio Gold Records.

The band played music sort of in the same vein as that of such slowcore acts like Codeine or Low, however they still bared that lumbering midwestern feel that over the years has become quite distinguishable. Releasing their first album Meander + Return in 1996, it was a bit more raw both musically and production wise fostering itself more so from the concurrent indie/emo scene at the time. Their next album wouldn’t show up until 1999, however they bridged that with the release of The Saving Daylight EP. When the release of their next full-length Longer Waves rolled around, the band had evolved their sound into a much fuller and precise one.

On Longer Waves the songs are very well crafted placing an equal importance on every instrument to construct each track. And although Fitzgerald’s deep vocals had always been a part of the bands sound, they fit much better on this release than those of the past. However missing is the “louder” side of the band, which has essentially been dismissed. Despite that, the music has a much fuller sound to it and actually seems much more powerful on Longer Waves than their previous release.

Sadly after the release of Longer Waves, drummer Frantz Etienne left the band and they continued as a duo. However after that the band went pretty much unheard from and I imagine disbanded sometime thereafter.

Meander + Return:
C-Clamp – Ten Degrees Arc [MP3]
C-Clamp – Morning [MP3]

Longer Waves:
C-Clamp – Land Meets Sea [MP3]
C-Clamp – Deep Green [MP3]

Both albums look to still be available from Ohio Gold Records. So for those interested head on over there and check that out. You can also find some more MP3's from both albums on their as well.