2005 was a year of growth and innovation for Ryewire. The year included the addition of new guitarist Keefe O’Neill and a rigorous performance schedule to support their first highly successful EP, These Days. This schedule included shows on the main stage at Seattle’s SeaFair, Super Saturday at Evergreen State College, and Seattle’s premier venue, the Showbox. Most importantly, Ryewire recorded a new full-length album entitled knockdown, released in November 2005 as the milestone year concluded.

"Ryewire is one of those bands who've found the balance. They will rock you like a good rock band should, but they'll also put some of the catchiest pop melodies into your head. " - Lisa Wood (Host-Audioasis/Variety Mix, 90.3/91.7FM KEXP & Host-Garage Monkey, 104.9FM Funky Monkey)

Ryewire Bio

2005 was a year of growth and innovation for Ryewire. The year included the addition of new guitarist Keefe O’Neill and a rigorous performance schedule to support their first highly successful EP, These Days. This schedule included shows on the main stage at Seattle’s SeaFair, Super Saturday at Evergreen State College, and Seattle’s premier venue, the Showbox. Most importantly, Ryewire recorded a new full-length album entitled knockdown, released in November 2005 as the milestone year concluded.

Ryewire began in February 2003. Red (vocals, guitar) had been looking for fellow musicians and found Kris Darr (bass). Through networking and music connections, Frans Laulainen (drums) and Barry (guitar) finalized the lineup. Following an initial performance at The Central Saloon, Ryewire completed their first studio outing and released Ryewire Demos.

After a year of playing with Ryewire, Kris left to go back to school and veteran musician pboss (bass) joined. In May 2004, Ryewire recorded "These Days" at Synergy Productions with Jason Shavey. The group played a few shows with the new lineup, got radio play on The Funky Monkey, 104.9 with “Season In Hell” and “These Days,” and was on the Hempfest bill for 2004.

During February 2005, Barry (guitar) decided to pursue other interests, which opened the door for new guitarist Keefe O’Neill. Keefe added a new quality to Ryewire’s already engaging music. With a strong focus on vocal support and careful attention to tone and melody, the new sound was born.

Ryewire recorded knockdown at Synergy Productions with Jason Shavey during August of 2005. The album’s release closed out the hallmark year for Ryewire, ushering in a 2006 which, by indication of the exploding number of fans who love this band’s enticing mix of progressive and emotional hard rock, will be rife with possibilities.

Album: Ryewire: Knockdown
Rating:
Overall: This CD blew me away from track 1, all the way through. The band has come a long way, and with this album, have established the right sound with the right mix. The music was so well crafted, there was a great deal of time and effort put into the details. This is one of the best Seattle rock albums I’ve come across.
Reviewed by: Kevin at www.albumbuzz.com