Quiet Collision
On the heels of Radio for Now, the band had been performing extensively through the previous two years, and that momentum kept up well into 2001.
Michael Plater Findlay had officially replaced Iain Grant by autumn 2000, and many new songs had come from that turnover.
By the time that June 2001 had rolled around, a collection of 9 songs had been worked on pretty extensively through rehearsals and live performances, so when we entered Lewis Melville’s studio, we were ready to go.
Over the course of 3 days we recorded all 10 songs, complete with a photo shoot in Lewis’ home and back yard. As he had done with Radio for Now, Lewis challenged us to do things differently. “So, Goodbye” is a perfect example of mixing things up – Steve played a tenor banjo, Robert played brushes on a suitcase, and we recorded that in nearly pitch-black at midnight.
We took the recording to Andrew Horrocks to mix, and then it was done. Our album launch was held on the second floor at the Albion Hotel (before it was cleaned up) in Guelph, and was completely sold-out.
Through 2001 into 2002, we promoted it ourselves, but it really took working with our publicists to get it into the hands of Sextant Records. Sextant had distribution through EMI, and was looking to grow its artist roster. They re-released the album in 2002, which gave us global distribution, which was pretty exciting at the time.
In Summer 2002, we appeared on CanadaAM, performing “Sometimes I Feel” and “Breakwall” while trying not to be overwhelmed by the presence of Nick Carter. It was a big deal.
Later that year, we appeared on Open Mike with Mike Bullard in the same night as the legendary Tony Bennett. We met the icon, who couldn’t have been kinder or more gracious in indulging us with photos and handshakes. After what felt like days of waiting in the Green Room, we finally performed “Breakwall.”
Track Listing
- Sometimes I Feel
- Breakwall
- And Then I Was
- Down To The Palace
- The Way You Talk
- (Theme From) Nicotine and Disappointment
- I Am The Factory
- Maybe This Fluorescent Light
- Love Vigilantes (New Order cover)
- So, Goodbye
Reviews
From amazon.ca, review by Kim Hughes
It’s fitting that Guelph-based pop-rock combo the Kramdens include a cover of New Order’s “Love Vigilantes” on their third disc, Quiet Collision. Though not nearly as faceless as the Manchester band was in its heyday, the Kramdens are one of those everyman outfits you could watch performing on Tuesday night, then pass on the street Wednesday morning and never make the connection. Which is to say the quintet keeps the focus squarely on music, not flash. Though it’s nobody’s idea of revolutionary rock, Quiet Collision delivers tuneful, well-played, fully realized and utterly accessible songs that speak as plainly to the mind as to the heart and soul. Opener “Sometimes I Feel” pushes the most straight-up pop buttons (the scorching “I Am the Factory” is a close runner-up), but by track two, singer Craig Norris is already tucked convincingly in character as a loser lamenting his tendency to “get wasted too early in the day.” Compelling stuff, but conveyed without histrionics or self-conscious gloom that screams excessive Baudelaire consumption. The introspective and heartfelt “And Then I Was” is almost worth the sticker price and that goes double for the fabulously named keyboard-led instrumental “(Theme from) Nicotine and Disappointment.” Genuine-article, salt-of-the-earth pop-rock that’s agreeable at every turn. ‘Nuff said.
From exclaim! magazine, March 1, 2003, by Mike Chilton
Even if you have heard the Kramdens and for some unknown reason don’t like their fun and eclectic album, you’ve got to give this one a chance for their blistering take on New Order’s classic “Love Vigilantes.” That said, the Kramdens churn out another fine rocker laced with elements of folk, electronic and jazz, but in just small enough amounts that there is no mistaking that this is a party album which translates best live. With audible nods to such legendary Canadian acts as the Lowest of the Low, the Cash Brothers, Blue Rodeo and not out of place alongside product from such contemporaries as superGARAGE and Arlibido (RIP), this is a deceivingly simple listen which will likely stand up to time as well as the Kramdens past two efforts.
From Allmusic, by Jason Macneil
The first album by this Toronto quintet begins with “Sometimes I Feel,” a sweet pop/rock song perfect for a long car ride. Guitarists Mike Findlay and Steve Knox don’t stand out particularly, but each has an ear for when to turn things up a notch. The song’s conclusion is a bit rushed, but it’s a good start. “Breakwall” has an odd tempo to it, sitting on the fence between power pop and a melancholic melody. Sounding like Odds without the bombastic guitars, lead singer Craig Norris has a no-nonsense approach to the lyrics for the entire record. The group could pass for the Dave Matthews Band on “And Then I Was,” a sullen and melodic number with a trace of Norris and his piano-playing. “Maybe This Fluorescent Light” is perfect patio pop music, mixing Matthews with John Mayer. A basic pop/rock track in “Down to the Palace” moves the record in an upbeat direction performed like Fastball. “The Way You Talk” drags the album down slightly, as it’s seems a bit aimless. A surprisingly good song is “I Am the Factory,” which could be mistaken for fellow Canadian blues-rock band Big Sugar. Head and shoulders above the rest of the record is “Love Vigilantes.” Having a perfect pop/rock sound with some touches of a new wave keyboard, the band is working on all cylinders. The closing and appropriately titled “So, Goodbye” is a lovable acoustic stroll with banjo, mandolin, and a subtle yet heartfelt vocal.