Constant Recourse

ABOUT

Constant Recourse sounds like a combination of Switchfoot, Ben Folds and MuteMath because they integrate rock and electronic elements with thoughtful lyrics and a solid beat.

A band can make people move, songwriters can get people thinking and melodies can make people want to sing but finding all three of these elements can be a challenge.

Philadelphia-based Constant Recourse combines elements of rock and electronic styles with thoughtful and well-crafted lyrics, melodies, and harmonies to form a balanced Rock/Pop sound. The band’s music has been compared with the harmonious sounds of Bed Folds and the rock sound of Switchfoot. Formed in early 2006, Constant Recourse includes Ben Mell, guitar and lead vocals; Matt Gore, keyboard; Luke Patterson, drums; Dalton Greiner, bass; Zack Groff, electric guitar; and Jessica Mell, vocals.

The members of the band, excluding Jessica, met and decided to form Constant Recourse while playing together in their church’s praise team. Ben, who had originally met Jessica in high school, reconnected with her while they were in college. He invited her to join the band in the summer of 2006. In March 2008, Ben and Jessica married. The age range among the six members spans 10 years. The youngest member, Dalton, is 17 and still in high school; while the oldest member of the band is Matt at 28, who teaches piano and attends Westminster Theological Seminary. Embracing this variety, the band uses it to their advantage to appeal to a wide audience.

Constant Recourse has been very active in its two years of existence. In May 2006, the band was selected in the nationwide Band With A Mission Competition and showcased at Nashville’s Rocketown. The band then released its first album, Something Brighter, in July 2006 and played shows locally through the fall to promote it. The following year, Constant Recourse participated in the 2007 Emergenza International Music Competition and finished in 5th place among the 180 participating bands in the Philadelphia area. Immediately following Emergenza, the band played venues in the summer 2007 Extreme Tour, which took them as far West as New Mexico.

As for the future, Constant Recourse is planning for the release of their second album, THIS IS YOUR STRENGTH, which will be released in March 2009. In anticipation of the release, the band is booking and playing many local venues where they preview some songs off of the upcoming album. Recently, one new song, “Nothing to Live For,” was featured on a special edition compilation album called “Philly Rockers For Life” featuring 25 local Philadelphia bands.

Screen name:: constantrecourse
Member since:: Apr 07 2008; Active over 1 month ago
Level of commitment:: Committed
Years together:: 2
Gigs played:: 50 to 100
Tend to practice:: 1 time per week
Available to gig:: 2-3 nights a week
Age:: 40 years

Influences

Switchfoot (everybody)
Jars of Clay (Matt)
Keith Green (Ben)
Van Halen (Zack)
Dave Matthews Band (Luke)
Queen (Dalton)
Many indie bands
Ben Folds(Jessica)