The Break Mission had humble beginnings—two best friends who heard Pearl Jam’s Ten many years ago and decided they couldn’t both keep playing drums. Matt won out, and Jeff picked up his dad’s guitar and began writing terrible songs. Over the course of nearly twenty years, the sound matured as they began carving out a musical identity. In 2001, they moved to Boston and formed Redletter with their immensely talented friends Dave Murray and Richey Tally on guitar and bass guitar respectively. Redletter released two EP’s, the second of which, entitled “The Spirit and the Chemicals,” received significant press and radio play, earning them a coveted “band to watch” tailwind. In 2005, the band changed their name to The Break Mission, signed a record deal with New York City label RoHo Records, and went into the studio with the masterful Dan McLoughlin (The Push Stars, Buffalo Tom, Weezer) to record their self-titled debut. Shortly after, Matt and Jeff moved to New York City.
In the wake of their debut for RoHo, the song “Hold On” was included in a national compilation for Starbuck’s, and media outlets such as Boston Magazine, SPIN magazine and Clear Channel praised the album. They quickly followed up with As Much Light As It Will Take in 2007, enlisting the help of friend-turned-engineer-turned-new bassist for the band “Wild” Bill Wathen. Critics and fans alike described the album as sublime, anthemic and refreshing, however it was also the last that the four original members of Redletter would make together, and a year after its release, drummer Matt Hershey and multi-instrumentalist/vocalist Jeff Knowlton were at a crossroads. Just as the fate of the band felt in jeopardy, Jeff got the good news that his old friend Ben Lindell was moving to New York City from Miami. Ben, a talented musician, producer and engineer brought new life to the band’s dynamic and after the first rehearsal together, there was no question that they had discovered something. In 2009, the trio self-released The Prospect EP, and the accompanying video for the track “Come By,” and introduced a beautiful and inventive new sound.
Here we are in 2010, and Ben, Jeff and Matt have a new record called Alpha. They are also happy to announce that L.A. based label Authentik Artists will be releasing Alpha on June 22. There is an expectation, along with a formidable optimism that their finest days are ahead. Thank you to everyone who has supported The Break Mission since its inception to now. Your love and support is never lost.
'The Prospect' Of A New Break Mission EP
Jan 5, 2009
Story by: Derek Zarda
Brooklyn based indie-rock melody makers the Break Mission are set to capitalize on their self-released, heart-string-tugging 2007 album, As Much Light As It Will Take, with a new record slated for February. Titled, The Prospect, this four-track EP seeks to re-establish the band's penchant for soothing, piano-laden ballads and moody pop-rock foreplay.
Founding members Jeff Knowlton (piano, guitar, vocals) and Matt Hershey (drums, percussion) have slimmed down the lineup to a trio, as newcomer Ben Lindell takes over bass duties in the wake of departing members Dave Murray and Bill Wathen. However, EP-opener, "The Prospect," dismisses any notion of the band slowing down with its new lineup as Knowlton's breathy vocals and slow-burning acoustic guitar chords build steadily towards a crash of emphatic drums and bass lines. Look for the The Prospect EP to be released on iTunes in early February with future tour dates listed on their website.
Tracklist For The Prospect:
01. The Prospect
02. You're So Happy Now
03. Come By
04. The French Defense
-CMJ.com
