The Singles – Start Again

Fusing the energy of Midwest garage rock with the hook-laden melodies and lovelorn lyrics of vintage power pop, the Singles are a rock & roll band whose members started making a name for themselves in Michigan and are still giving their fans bright, tuneful music after relocating to California. The Singles were formed in Detroit, Michigan in 1999 by guitarist, singer, and songwriter Vince Frederick. Citing first-generation rockers like Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly as influences, Frederick put together the band with guitarist Will Yates, bassist Dave Lawson, and drummer Dave Knepp. The Singles began making the rounds of Michigan rock clubs, and won a following for their power pop-influenced sound. In 2003, they struck a deal with noted indie pop label Rainbow Quartz Records, and cut their first album, Better Than Before, with producer and engineer Jim Diamond. While the album received strong reviews, especially from the British press, sales were not as impressive, and it would be three years before the group cut its second long-player, Start Again, for its own Sound Artifacts Records, with Diamond once again at the controls. The album featured a new Singles lineup, with Frederick accompanied by John Hale on bass and Brian Thunders on drums.