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ISSUE #33.42 • SPECIAL SECTION • MFNW

Floater


11 pm, Roseland Theater


BY CASEY JARMAN | 503 243-2122

[August 29th, 2007]

[POST-GRUNGE] In a land where bands form, dissolve and change names with the tides, Floater is an anomaly: The Portland via Eugene moss-rockers have built an influential resume that runs well over a decade long, and there’s no sign of a breakup in sight.

The secret to Floater’s musical longevity seems to be in its willingness to change. The band’s latest, Stone By Stone , for instance, showcases more pop-centric songwriting than fans from the long-haired olden days may be accustomed to. And though Floater found its roots among the Northwest’s metal-minded grunge backlash, frontman Rob Wynia’s vocals have transcended echo effects of old, and the band has outgrown much of its chugga-chugga sound. Despite the band’s ever-changing face, though, notoriously rabid Floater fans (their devotion is near-Deadhead/Juggalo caliber) are rolling with the new—which includes the occasional unplugged show and a clean-cut new look.

Floater never received the media attention of blow-up bands like the Dandy Warhols or fallen compatriots the Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, but the fact that they’ve remained a force is a testament to the band’s legend. And if the trio continues on its current trajectory of open-minded disregard for the conventions of its former genre, the Northwest press may face a day of reckoning: Floater’s best work is likely still to come.



Comment on Floater   Comment RSS feed

Dizzy  writes on Sep 5th, 2007 10:07pm

Our devotion can't really be compared to the Juggalos, for we do not bring cheap, two liter, carbonated beverages to the shows, nor do we paint our faces (anymore), and above all else we tend to get laid with greater frequency.

Thanks for the write up on one of the greatest bands nobody ever gets to hear. I shall be seeing the boys 4 nights straight when they come south to visit this land of plastic, sunshine, and people who can drive in inclimate weather.

-Dizzy in California.

Faith Wolfe  writes on Sep 5th, 2007 10:37pm

Great article. Thanks for giving Floater much-deserved props.

Kerri  writes on Sep 5th, 2007 10:51pm

Wow, so nice to see a write-up on one of my favorite bands. I discovered this band on the net (I'm from Philly) and it quickly made my top five. I've traveled across the country to see them, and I'm doing it again in October. They are so worth the trip.

Leitmotiv  writes on Sep 7th, 2007 1:39am

Thanks for the article WW. It's nice to see someone actually listening to Floater and realizing they've changed and matured with time, much like a fine wine. Something the Mercury can't seem to realize. The Mercury seems to hear only the 90's in Floater... they better fix their ears... or should I say mindset? Because I'm beginning to think they're the one stuck in the past.

Bee Dee Eff  writes on Sep 8th, 2007 1:24pm

Great article. But how does Floater = "post-grunge", exactly? Floater is a band that transcends any sort of labels.

AP  writes on Mar 7th, 2008 2:04pm

The Weekly Volcano in Tacoma, WA recently labeled them a grunge band! At least post-grunge is a little more accurate, although it incinuates they are loved by those who lashed out against grunge. I love(d) grunge (such a silly word) and Floater. It can be done.

And yes, major props to WW for monitoring this diamond in the rough.

Comment on the "Floater" article

HOLDING OUR OWN
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | LocalCut.com’s music writers curated three local showcases for your Musicfesting pleasure. Here’s who they booked and why.
SOUND ADVICE
BY ETHAN SMITH | Pick the brains of music industry masters and mavericks at MusicfestNW’s panelpalooza.
GIVE IT UP
BY ETHAN SMITH | Good is the new bad. Huh?
Listings
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Thursday, September 6
Spoon
BY AMY MCCULLOUGH | 10 pm, Crystal Ballroom
Aesop Rock
BY JOSEY DUNCAN | 11 pm, Roseland Theater
Aqueduct
BY AMY MCCULLOUGH | Midnight, Doug Fir.
Roky Erickson & The Explosives
BY JAY HORTON | Midnight, Berbati’s Pan
Listings
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Friday, September 7
Tiny Vipers
BY CASEY JARMAN | 10 pm, Doug Fir
Rilo Kiley
BY CASEY JARMAN | 11 pm, Crystal Ballroom.
Grizzly Bear
BY DEVAN COOK | Midnight, Doug Fir.
Floater
BY CASEY JARMAN | 11 pm, Roseland Theater
The Fucking Champs
BY ERIK BADER | 1 am, Dante’s
Listings
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Saturday, September 8
The Brunettes
BY AMY MCCULLOUGH | 9 pm, Crystal Ballroom
Girl Talk
BY MICHAEL BYRNE | 11 pm, Roseland Theater.
Dirty Projectors
BY MICHAEL BYRNE | 11 pm, Satyricon.
Clipse
BY CASEY JARMAN | Midnight, Roseland Theater
The Obituaries
BY JASON SIMMS | 1 am, Ash Street Saloon.
Okkervil River
BY AMY MCCULLOUGH | 12:30 am, Berbati’s Pan.
Listings
WW EDITORIAL STAFF | Sunday, September 9
Wolf Parade
BY AMY MCCULLOUGH | 11 pm, Crystal Ballroom.
 

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