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Great Lakes Myth Society Biography

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The Great Lakes Myth Society are that rarity, a folk-rock band that actually rocks out, while at the same time capturing the mystery and wonder of the traditional folk narrative and adapting it to the present day. Based in Michigan, the Great Lakes Myth Society draw the lion's share of their inspiration from life in the Mitten State, from the wreckage of the Motor City to the frozen splendor of the Upper Peninsula, and their literate but passionate music has won them a loyal following in the Midwest, as well as a growing audience elsewhere across the United States. The Great Lakes Myth Society (or GLMS) were formed in early 2004 following the demise of the Original Brothers and Sisters of Love, a similarly themed group based in Ann Arbor, MI. Formed in 1996, the Original Brothers and Sisters of Love released two well-received albums and toured extensively (especially in the Midwest), but in the fall of 2003, the group's record company, The Telegraph Company, went bankrupt and violinist Liz Auchinvole opted to leave the group. The remaining members of the band -- Timothy Monger (accordion, guitar, and vocals), James Monger (guitar and vocals), Gregory McIntosh (guitar and vocals), Scott McClintock (bass and vocals), and Fido Kennington (drums and vocals) -- opted to continue with a new name that reflected their tight regional focus, and the Great Lakes Myth Society were born. GLMS wasted no time making a name for themselves on Michigan's club circuit with their rousing blend of rock, folk, and Americana, becoming a consistent draw on the Detroit/Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti scene, and in the spring of 2005 they released their self-titled debut album through the Boston-based indie label Stop, Pop & Roll. The disc earned enthusiastic reviews and charted in the CMJ Top 200 shortly after release, and on the road the band shared stages with such notables and kindred spirits as the Gourds, Danielson, Andrew Bird, and Saturday Looks Good to Me. In 2006, GLMS signed on with QuackMedia, a multimedia music and publishing concern located in Ann Arbor; the group's second album, Compass Rose Bouquet, was released through Quack in July 2007, followed by a limited-edition single in 2008. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

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