THEN
Back in the summer of '97 Philadelphia based psychedelic rock combo The Three 4 Tens released their first EP titled Throwback Move With The Three 4 Tens (Lounge Records). After a few summers touring, releasing singles and contributing tracks to compilations, most notably the Sounds Of Psychedelphia also released on the now defunct Lounge Records imprint, the band then began work on their debut album.
In the spring of 2000, recording was underway on their first long-player Change Is On Its Way with producer Paul Smith behind the board. Originally self released the album eventually found its way to File 13 records and was re-released in April of 2001. Online indie-zine Pitchforkmedia said this of the recording "The Three 4 Tens have somehow managed to procure a working flux capacitor. And in a truly devious move, they've used it to travel to 1967 and steal the master tapes to the newly completed full-length of some poor, unsuspecting garage band. This stuff just sounds way too authentic."
That same album caught the attention of NYC based guitar jangle pop label Rainbow Quartz Records who then decided to license and release the record, with three bonus cuts, around Europe.
NOW
The Three 4 Tens sophomore recording, Taking Northern Liberties, named after the Philly neighborhood where the band resides, is like a dose of The Strokes on blotter acid meets Paul Revere and The Raiders, blending elements of The Doors, Steppenwolf and Iron Butterfly. Their live show is a lava lamp psychedelic rave-up that only rivals the legendary Feelies.
The new album was recorded with the help of long time producer and friend Paul Smith.
Band member Joe Tagg notes: "(Paul) tried to keep it fresh by not having a lot of preproduction done. There's a lot of improv, which kept it entertaining for us."
Taking Northern Liberties is a document in time, a musical outlet for the band's surroundings. Joe Tagg remembers: "First off, we recorded the entire album in the winter. Up until this one, we've mostly recorded in spring and summer. Not to mention, it was one of the worst winters we've ever had. I think that contributed to some of the more darker/somber moments on the album."
Over the years a long list of musicians have been Three 4 Tens members, however the core of the band has remained almost intact. The Three 4 Tens are: Joe Tagg (guitar/vocal), Jamie Mahon (bass/vocal), the final piece of the puzzle was guitarist Brian McNamara (guitar/vocal) who returned to the fold in the fall of 2002. Ex-Burning Brides drummer Mike Ambs recently joined the band.
The band has toured extensively in the United States sharing the stage with the likes of The Strokes, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, The Warlocks, Brian Jonestown Massacre and the Burning Brides, among others.
