The Assistants formed in the spring of 2004 and are led by singer-songwriters Ciaran Megahey and Kiley Meehan. Initially a trio, the band aimed to fuse electronic ambience with classic songwriting. By using a plethora of drum machines and keyboards, the Assistants created a sonic brew that drew comparisons to New Order and the Jesus and Mary Chain. Now, nearly three years later, the band has blossomed into a formidable pop ensemble with the addition of Adam Boyle on drums, Tim Munro on bass and Ildiko Kaszas on keyboards. 2007 also marks the release of the band’s self-titled debut album. Recorded in Toronto at Sleepytown Sound, the Assistants resists sonic padding in favor of a stripped down immediacy. Over the course of ten songs, the band proves to be a creatively restless entity, shaking off one style only to quickly settle into another. The album shifts gears rapidly, veering from the Beatle-esque shuffle of “In My Dreams,” to the glam-inspired stomp of “This Time.” The wistful pop of “Planet News” crafts a beguiling mix of Morrissey and the Byrds, while the sinister undercurrent of “Taste It” exudes a bold swagger. By the final crescendo of “Consent”, The Assistants makes its’ case as a glowing introduction. The band released their first album independently on February 3rd, 2007. A follow-up E.P. entitled "Fiction" will be released Spring 2008.
The Assistants :
Kiley Meehan - guitars, vocals
Ciaran Megahey - guitars, vocals
Tim Munro - bass
Ildiko Kaszas - keyboards
Evan Bender - Drums
additional players:
Mike Auduong - bass
Adam Boyle - drums
Matthew Chambers - trumpet