Between The Waters formed in Pittsburgh, Pa in 2002. Christine Sacramento (guitar), Anthony LaCava (bass) and Tanya Kavalkovich (violin), already having pioneered the Pittsburgh goth music scene with The Garden, now turned for inspiration to dreampop acts and dark songwriters such as Lush, Slowdive, Doves, PJ Harvey, Kristen Hersh, and of course Cocteau Twins, their biggest influence even throughout the Garden era. The drum machine was replaced with James Perry, formerly of successful local acts Six Gun Jury and White Wreckage, and they began the search for a singer, asking DJ Kelly A for assistance. The lineup was completed when vocalist/ songwriter Patricia Wake, who had made her debut on the gothic/industrial scene lending backup vocals to Mindless Faith’s version of “When Doves Cry”, responded to a post from Kelly on the Pittsburgh goth list.
In 2004 Between The Waters self-released their first full-length cd, Connection, recruiting Matt Brown of ethereal indie band Trespassers William (Bella Union Records, Nettwerk Music Group) for production. Best described as dark indie pop/rock, the eleven songs on Connection showcase the band’s ability to retain a dark, alternative sound within the frame of an accessible, radio-friendly song. Ed Masley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette writes, “It's a breathtaking effort, sure to please old Garden fans while reaching out to kids who cut their teeth on 4AD-style dream-pop,” and also, “Music this ethereal doesn't get much poppier than "Into Beauty," an aptly titled track that in a perfect world would be topping the national charts at adult-alternative radio before the year is out.” And “Into Beauty” has received quite a bit of airplay on Pittsburgh’s public AAA station WYEP, while other tracks such as “Starry Nights” and “Shifting Sand” are in rotation on several alternative and gothic internet radio stations. Connection has received critical praise in print and web publications both local and national, and in the U.K., Greece and France.
Although Connection is characterized by the band’s foray into indie pop, it was inevitable that Between The Waters would eventually return to their gothic roots. Even before Connection was off the press, their songwriting was taking a definitively darker turn, and in 2005, a demo version of “Take You Down” was included on the compilation Steel City Scene: Dead End World, released by 20/20 Proof Records. They had help from Peter Guellard, former frontman of MACE, in producing the track, and the eerie result presaged a new direction for BTW. At this time, several of the band members were also sitting in with A.T. Vish, formerly of Lowsunday, on his solo project Carol Blaze, further inspiring BTW to return to the music they know best.
Between The Waters is currently at work on a second full-length cd, featuring production by William Faith of Faith and the Muse (who also produced The Garden’s Sapphire), A.T. Vish and Peter Guellard. While a few of the tracks recall the indie-pop of Connection, the new album relies more heavily on the influences of the band’s darkwave favorites, promising the same ethereal beauty, but this time with teeth, and a few club-friendly dance tracks.
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densely woven melodies and moody, chorus-drenched hooks that recall the best of 80s ethereal pop/rock outfits you might have caught on MTVs 120 Minutes back in the day; imagine a Celtic pop band on melancholy, dreamy-pop label 4AD. Leslie Fleisher, Pittsburgh City Paper -
Full article at Pittsburgh City Paper
It's a breathtaking effort, sure to please old Garden fans while reaching out to kids who cut their teeth on 4AD-style dream-pop. Ed Masley, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette -
Full article at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Between the Waters' 'Connection' recaptures the mid-to-late 80's college radio sound with great bravado, using classic rock structures, yet adding a gypsy feel with the addition of Christine's harp-like acoustic guitar work and Tanya K.'s melodic violin on songs such as "Shifting Sand", "Silence" (great lyrics on that one!), and "Tidal Wave". Singer Patricia's voice is multi-layered and shows great range, especially on "Into Beauty", which has an infectious melody that stays with you long after playing the CD, and truly takes center stage on "Be Here". My favorite is "Starry Nights" - it's a classic alternative rock groove. Monica Richards of Strange Boutique, Faith and the Muse
The Between the Waters record was a true pleasure to mix. Its a treat to work on music that I would also listen to as a fan. Between the Waters recalls the best of the darker 80s bands like the Cure and modern day sirens like Natalie Merchant to create a sound all their own. - Matt Brown of Trespassers William
Connection is a hauntingly beautiful collection of songs in the vein of Kristin Hersh or early Sundays. A work of real substance. Brian Hazard - 11th Records
"A heavenly mix of luscious vocals, emotional lyrics, and layers of powerful instrumentation. Ethereal rock at it's best!!!" Randy LeMasters - Randy's Music Emporium
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