article scans:

onlymagazine (march2005)

thepeak (march2005)

discorder (february2003)

terminalcity (july2005)

vueweekly (may2005)

thenews(february2003)

thereview (february2003)

thenews (march2003)


radio interviews:

victoriaCFUVmp3 (sept2005)

IN MEDIAS RES - Of What Was
(punkinternational.com)
Label: none
Standout Track: Annadonia
Grade: A

I love my home town as much as the next guy. I think anyone who has been to Vancouver loves this city. Here I am writing this review on the day Vancouver was chosen as the host of the 2010 Winter Olympics. The United Nations even picked this place as the best city in the world to live in once or twice in the last few years. Yes, Vancouver has a lot going for it. But why, I ask, is our independent music scene so dismal? I can't figure it out. If it wasn't for In Medias Res, I would have packed my bags by now and been well on my way to Winnipeg, or maybe Omaha.

What you'll find in "Of What Was", the Vancouver four-piece's debut, is the heart of the midwest and the rock of the northwest. Imagine Pedro the Lion's harder side placed hand in hand with the atmospheric qualities of the Appleseed Cast, both kept in check with openhearted emotion reminiscent of Neva Dinova and the soothing melodies of Elliott. Different songs emphasis different qualities, and the CD plays out like a novel where each song is a chapter that can't be removed from the context of the album itself.

A description of this CD reads like a plot summary. It begins in tranquility with a tension-building piano track called "Idee Fixe", subsequently exploding into the fast-paced "Wise Investors" that bridges the gap between straightforward and in-your-face hard rock and technically sound indie rock. Much of the middle portion consists of nearly six-minute tracks that strive to build more suspense than their predecessors. They have a unique ability to create edge-of-your seat tension using elevated, swaying melodies and off-centered beats. Many of the songs are like microcosms of the entire album: building up to memorable endings in their own right.

In Medias Res remains at press time unsigned, but they have my vote as the hottest free agent in the music market today. Their CD is available everywhere thanks to the wonderful service that is Interpunk Local.



IN MEDIAS RES - Of What Was
Review by Jordan A. Baker (pastepunk.com)

I've never pegged a band before as having that "Deep-Elm Records sound," but I suppose with IN MEDIAS RES, now would be a great time to start. "Of What Was" is a highly impressive, if not a startlingly familar interpretation of all of those technical, somber, yet defiantly moving bands on the 'Elm roster, with unmistakable claims especially towards BENTON FALLS. In turn, this is all a good thing of course, because not only does "Of What Was" sound confidently assured, it really turns up the heat at breakpoints in boiled over tension.

The tracks that compose the midsection of this disc, "You Know You Don't Know," and "Assembly Lines," are the most rousing of the lot, and unwind like serpents becoming free of reins. Concurrently, I find this disc unique in its often spacious arrangements that are tied together with superbly recorded taut percussion. There's a very lush sound coming from the bass-pedal and the tone of the various cymbals that gives IN MEDIAS RES a lofty atmospheric glow, which is notably dominating on the seventh song, "Annadonia." "Of What Was" winds down a bit on the final two tracks, with droning vocals, and a plodding tempo that becomes practically grating, but not necessarily in a disappointing way. The title track plays out almost like a soundtrack to military ships rushing towards battle. Implications of crashing waves are abound, as IN MEDIAS RES calls up all the reserves for a fleeting shot at glory, but the song is left hanging with more bark than bite.

For a self-released disc, this is one of the best I've heard all year. Hopefully, a label will swoop in and give it a shot at the high-life.



IN MEDIAS RES - Of What Was
(emoisdead.com - may2004)

I got to know this Canadian band from Vancouver area through their song "Wise Investors", which I found on a cd of a magazine called Copper Press. This song is a loud and exciting alternative rock song that I instantly fell in love with. Surprisingly the rest of the album is somewhat different. Not less exciting, but much more quiet. In most parts the songs are gentle, have guitar lines like Appleseed Cast and a dense and atmospheric sound. The singer has got this tame but charming voice with a timbre similar to Coldplay. Wonderful album, perfect production and a professional artwork, I can't believe that this band is without a label and distribution. I’m pretty sure that will change soon.



IN MEDIAS RES - Of What Was
Written by Jeremy
(from where? email us)
rating: 5/5

Ten tracks of indie rock greatness arrived in the mail the other day. The band behind it is Richmond, British Columbia's In Medias Res. The name apparently means in the middle or in the middle of a story in Latin, but what do I know?

I first encountered the band when they released a three-song demo last year. The disc featured a track called Best Kept Secret which was perhaps the best indie song I heard last year. The band built a strong following playing shows and placing very well in Vancouver's Shindig battle of the bands.

Of What Was is the band's first full length and is a beautiful masterpiece from start to finish. What jumps out of this disc is its emotive ambient quality. Sweeping landscapes get painted right away with Idee Fixe, a piano/vocal song with lots of weird sounds that prick at your ear. The song reminds me of work done by Kid Koala for his cartoon book, Nuforia Must Fall, soundtrack with vocals straight out of a Coldplay album.

After the first track, the disc ups the tempo and intensity with Wise Investors and Shakeher. Arguably the two best tracks on the disc as they capture the raw indie-rawk energy that is In Medias Res' greatest strength. Sample lyric from Shakeher has singer Andrew Lee painting a beautifully painful picture, 'She's up on the table, ripped open her dress: Is this all you wanted from me?'

The album is seductive in the way it draws you in and caresses the left side of your brain. Of What Was is an album that you will put on and enjoy from start to finish, each song crafted to beget the next.

I would have loved to see the songs from their self-titled demo on the disc as Best Kept Secret remains their greatest work in my opinion and it is a shame that it wasnt shared on Of What Was. The album also suffers from a clear hit. Is that necessarily a bad thing? No, but if your goal is to reach a larger audience then it will come back to bite you. The album could have captured a little more of the band's energy. Their live show is a sea of wailing guitars and powerful vocals. That violence failed to be captured on the album, which is probably intentional as the disc does seem to follow a theme and the album does flow very nicely.

I enjoyed the mellow chill of the album, many songs clock in over 5 minutes and Of What Was is an epic seven-and-a-half minute ordeal, constantly changing and developing. Assembly Lines at 5:27 is a brilliant song that could have been longer!

Of What Was is the best independent release I have heard this year and an important album for any serious indie-rawk collector.



IN MEDIAS RES - Of What Was
thelegendarymattkerr.com - july2004
(this just might be the kindest review he's ever done)

It is no secret that the Canadian rock music scene is essentially a deflated derelict; drained of decent talent and creativity for the most part, and unsupportive of what little manages to remain quietly clinging to the side. Under these circumstances it is easy to see why In Medias Res, one of Vancouver’s most promising indie-rock acts, are acruing a semi-obsessive following with more concentrated efficiency than an alcoholic putting it away at happy-hour. The good news is that , for the most-part, they deserve it. IMR has an intense and exhilarating live presence and a solid base of good, original material. Many of these songs are featured on “Of What Was,” the quartet’s first full-length effort; a record that verifies the band’s immense potential for greatness, although it also reveals several weaknesses that are not extant in the live setting.

At best, In Medias Res are churning, surging purveyors of near-perfect emo gems. Wise Investors, the bands opening rocker, sees a well oiled IMR cranking out hooks and intensely lyrical melodies with offhand ease. They turn this trick a second time on Assembly Lines. The coda on this track insists on being belted from car stereos and ghetto blasters while everybody within earshot makes unsolicited squinty guitar faces and grits their teeth. And the epic Annadonia will have wayward Led Zeppelin fans playing air-guitar in busses, at stoplights and on sidewalks.

IMR rocks, which is pretty cool, but they are also sensitive! Silence Calls is sooo sweet and I’ll bet Andrew Lee is too. Pimply pre-teens take note! Your girlfriend WILL let you touch her boobs if you put this song on a couple of minutes before trying. Even I felt the urge to take something off as the final sultry notes of this pretty, organic ballad faded from my headphones. They will be... errrr... putty in your hands.

The band’s shortcomings are not numerous, but they are significant. Andrew Lee’s voice rankles on occasion. He seems to be attempting some sort of Pedro the Lion imitation but just ends up sounding pretty tired... mostly. I kept wishing he would do something dramatic and startling but he doesn’t (except for the distorted screaming at the end of Annadonia, which is pretty f'n cool). Lee needs to listen to the words he is singing and decide if he believes them or not and then, if so, find a way make me believe them; taylor the delivery to the sentiment instead of delivering everything in this scratchy monotone.

Dynamics are a consistent issue on this recording. Whomever produced the record didn’t do the music justice by half. The drums sound like they are far, far away, the bass which is strong and punchy live is basically unnoticeable here. In general, the sound never explodes as it should. People’s ears respond to drastic changes in volume and tone and there aren’t many here; and as a result the music seems doughy and waxen. This is unfortunate because the song-writing is strong.

If i wanted to pick nits I would also say that the lyrics occasionally seem somewhat pretentious and that the sort of pseudo-elevated discursive styling that Lee favours doesn’t gel well with the earnestness he seems to want to convey with his voice. He would do better to say what he means straight away and skip all attempts at stylistic lapidary.

When all is told, however, this is a fine album and does a good job of documenting a band in what could be the early stages of greatness (if in the middle)



IN MEDIAS RES- Of What Was
Who wrote this? email us
Rating: 10/10

In Medias Res has been playing solidly for almost 2 years now to a growing and dedicated fanbase in the Vancouver area. They have played to audiences of over 500 people but are also content with playing in a living room to 2 sets of ears. A DIY EP (entitled "Intimacy") recorded in April 2002 sold almost 500 copies off the stage in just 8 months (only 18 shows). In Medias Res has also shared the stage with such notable acts as Pedro the Lion, The Pale and Stabilo Boss.

In Medias Res are one of those unknown, unsigned bands that everyone needs to know about, they play great music and have a great feel to them. With their new album already making waves in the underground indie/post rock scene the band are destined to become a hit with the locals and anyone who gets the chance to experience their brilliant music. When I first listened to track two, "Wise Investors" which is available for download on their site it quickly hit me that these guys had talent and deserved some publicity. The album has a great mixture of indie to emo to rock in it, with a few stand out tracks that could quite easily make it onto charts.

The album starts out with a quite slow intro, played by a piano and a set of vocals, only to be Andrew's astounding voice. The song then runs into the next track, "Wise Investors" the song is probably the most stand out track on the album combining a post rock and modern feel to it. The third track "Shakeher" has an upbeat touch to it when it first starts, but then mellows out with a great deal of Coldplay type singing to it. You then find yourself with two very indie influenced songs that both have a great sound to them. Track six follows this time you can detect a sound of both Coldplay and Radiohead influence on the band, with a style similar to both of those bands, but again an upbeat stand out track. Annadonia sitting in at spot seven on the album is one of the slowest songs I personally have ever heard, but at the same time a very relaxing song that you are able to sit back and think with it playing in the background. Song eight is a instrumental song, played by a piano, the song fits very well as it follows track seven another slow but relaxing song. The title track to the album "Of What Was" rings in at impressive 7:33, the song combines both aspects from indie and emo along with the styles of Coldplay and at best Tool, you really must hear this song to understand what I am saying. The final track on the album "Silence Calls" ends off the album with an refreshing last four minutes and forty-four seconds, the album was not short lived nor prolonged, but just right for an experience that will bring many more.

This album is a well thought out and orchestrated array of many musical styles and influences mixed into one forty-five minute album that is able to show you many things. This album is a recommend to any indie, emo, post anything fan that has any taste in music, these guys are the real deal, so quit restraining yourself from these types of music and expand what you already know.

CHARISCENE
DS Sutton w/ In Medias Res @ Classic Rhythm

What a night. I was a little apprehensive about it to begin with. There was something like 4 local shows all on the same night. You Say Party We Say Die was playing out in Langley at EA, and there was a folk show at St. Matthew’s as well. Then something else that I forgot about… whatever. So yeah, lots of shows and a very finite number of local fans. But the turnout was grand. Classic Rhythm was packed to the brim with anonymous individuals waiting to have their senses assaulted by a mighty pair of bands. In Medias Res and DS Sutton reunited after what has seemed like ages to play a show together, and to flat out run over the crowd with epic and aggressive wall of sound. My idea of a perfect show is two really good bands, and that’s it. No boring openers to sit through, no getting tired of music before the band you really wanted to see. I remember seeing No Knife open for Sunny Day Real Estate. Two bands, 3 hours, one amazing show. Last night at Classic Rhythm was close to the same.

In Medias Res showed up late, as per usual, but all was forgiven once the music began. What can only be described as a lethargic haze of sound filled the room, and people swayed and sang along. This is a band that has grown up a lot. The show was aided by images of insects hunting, eating, mating and dying being played on two television sets, one on either side of the stage. I thought at first that these might end up being too distracting, but in the end the band was so dynamic that the insects couldn’t help but take second place. They were a nice touch though, giving people something to ponder during one or more of IMR’s numerous aural plateaus or breakdowns. Minor technical difficulties took a bite out of the mood on the last song, as one of Ash’s pedals stopped working for a bit. The song just couldn’t be played without it, so all four band members crowded round and gave advice until it worked again. Glad it did to, the last song was a dream-inducing number that nearly put the audience into a trance as it went on and on at the end, till it was nearly like getting lost in a feedback loop. Then all of a sudden it ended and there was silence for a second, before the crowd broke into a cheer. Derrick Mensch (of DS Sutton) walked by me and commented, “How do you go on after an act like that?” Well Derrick, you just do. And DS Sutton just did.



The Georgia Straight
(June 26, 2003)

Recently, Vancouver's Hinterland was on the receiving end of a rave from Straight scribe John Lucas. The band is fronted by former Electronics vocalist Michaela Galloway, and includes bassist Cameron McLellan and guitarist John... Hey, wait a minute, no wonder Lucas gave this band a good review! Actually, the group plays hypnotic dream rock and isn't afraid to reference obscure George Orwell novels. ("Keep the Aspidistra Flying" is the title of one song.) Meanwhile, another local act with atmospheric leanings, In Medias Res will likely be receiving plenty of raves in the coming months. The local four-piece's new album, Of What Was, starts with a stark-as-the-Prairies-in-winter piano ballad, then shifts solidly into territory where U.K. shoegazers and U.S. indie rockers shop at the same guitar store. Catch both bands at the Railway on Wednesday (July 2).



The Gallery Lounge
(www.Gallerylounge.com)

In Medias Res plays indie rock with the impassioned intensity of a hardcore outfit. When the Vancouver four-piece lets its moody side hold sway, however, its atmospherics recall the stately beauty of Radiohead and Sigur Ros.

Both bands recently performed as part of the NewMusicWest festival. Both acts have also recently spent time in the studio with producer Jonathan Anderson (Radiogram, Jonathan Inc.). Hinterland is putting the finishing touches on its album, and IMR's disc, Of What Was, is out now. Both bands are available for interviews. For more info, please visit http://www.hinterland.bc.ca and http://www.imr.ca.



PEDRO THE LION w/ In Medias Res, Zed Zero, Drownout
April 11th 2002 @ Trinity Western University Langley, BC
By Stu (www.Shzine.com)

There was quite a packed crowd for this rainy Thursday night show at Trendy Western. Not a very roudy one though, although there was this one time when a couple girls fell off a table, and again once some girl fell off her chair right beside me. My oh my. There was still room to push through the crowd though, but that was better left for later in the show.

Drownout played. I'm guessing that's their name. That's what I think I remember telling all of us. Not many of my friends liked them much (and that's a critical thing, because my friends are music gods), comparing them to Creed and such, but I saw something different. I saw a little talent. But then I saw the door and went outside.

I think Zed Zero was up next, unless I'm completely forgetting what happened that night. They're a trio of two boys and their daddy who all have a passion for the local christian music community. I didn't see their opening, but eventually I wandered in watching their biggest fans kind of snicker at their sounds. They were sounds... good sounds though I thought. Sounds inspiring me to utilize the daylight, to stop the dogfight.

OK, now Pedro, I mean Pedro's biggest fans, I mean In Medias Res played to a well receiving crowd. They suited the bill well, utilizing their own technically experienced daylight to put forward a comparison of, yet less simplistic form of the indie rock all were there to see.

It was time for Pedro the Lion now to break the mould and let us all enjoy the remainder of the night to its fullest. All ten songs were played off the new album to be released a few days later, which was being sold to us lucky Canadian folk. A few familiars were played as well, but the new sound is a well directed progression of Dave Bazan's musical outlet. Their usual drummer was not with them, but it was nice to see Roadside Monument's Jonathan Ford playing bass once again. The show carried on until almost midnight, but paying the $10 (well some of us paying it) was worth the experience.



IN MEDIAS RES w/ DS Sutton, The Progressive Thinker, Fun100
March 1st Wellspring Church, Abbotsford, BC
By Dustin (www.Shzine.com)

I got in for free...I like this free stuff. Maybe I should be a permanent roadie...hmm. Anyway, we found our way into the basement of Wellspring and got our free (mmm, free) issues of Bull Sheet #7...Which is for queers. Then Fun 100 got going, I've never seen them before but I heard they sucked; thankfully, they didn't. They were a lot of fun, as their name would suggest. Mixing primarily punk rock with some screamo and new wave and a lot of humorous lyrics, they got everyone in the mood for a good time. Also smart to cover the instantly sing-along-able Blitzkrieg Bop by the Ramones.

Next The Progressive Thinker got set up to unleash their funky instrumental rock vibe. I was picking up what they were laying down, and so were some others, but the youth group twinkies were unsure if what they were witnessing was cool or not. Then to close things out there was some guest screaming for the final track by Matt Day, Ryan Dyck (of Fun100), Kyle Hendy (of DS Sutton) and myself. Good fun, even if the majority of the audience looked like a bunch of stiffs.

Emo rockers DS Sutton were up next and after a slow start (thanks to tech/sound problems) they got into a groove and layed their melody saturated tunes on us. Excellent vocal harmonies and an emotionally thick essence floated out of the band, I really dig these guys.

Lastly , In Medias Res came on. I wasn't expecting much for some reason but I was blown away. These guys are stinking good. Very nice, almost lethargic singing, well written songs, creative use of multiple effects pedals and phenonmenal drumming comprised these emo/indie rock boys. Every song was enjoyable and many climbed to huge passionate plateaus, sinking their proverbial teeth right into most of the spectators. Great night, can't wait for another show. Bull Sheet #7 is out, pick it up at Replay...It's for queers.



Vancouver Courier
(July 2, 2003)

Not just atmospheric indie rockers who understand the innate powers of wearing black shirts and listening to Brit pop from the early '90s, local bands Hinterland and In Medias Res also bring a sense of moodiness to the table few acts have the wherewithal and reverb effects to pull off.