Thoughtfully selected tracks woven together to create 17 minutes of hard-hitting rock of remarkable poignancy and depth.

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Product Description

Through Adam McIntyre's jubilant debut and somber sophomore effort ran a thread of longing; of yearning for something more. McIntyre finds the first missing piece of the puzzle on his new EP "Per Ardua", the first in a series of increasingly experimental pop EPs planned for the next two years. Following a whirlwind year in which he toured extensively as a sideman, became a father, lost his father and underwent throat surgery, McIntyre took his music in a new direction with a new voice (literally -- thanks to the throat surgery -- but also as a songwriter and arranger). Per Ardua, a McIntyre family axiom meaning "through struggle", represents a more individually defined sound for McIntyre. From the deceptively gentle beginning of "Together and Alone" to the primal climax of "Proscription Day", this six-song EP traverses a winding course between emotional baggage and light-hearted comic sensibility. "America", a song about a nearly disastrous trip to England, is angular pop featuring classical guitars and counter-melodic bass over frantic drums. Devo's "Girl U Want", while faithfully recreated, draws more from British Invasion-cum-punk than new wave. "Liquid Girlfriend" sees McIntyre behind vintage keyboards and manning harmonized guitars -- the effect is pleasantly surreal. Once again, Adam covers most of the instrumental bases on the record, and this also marks his first self-produced effort. With strength of voice and a focused sonic vision, McIntyre raises his own bar with Per Ardua. But what Per Ardua really has in spades is great songs. We really hope you enjoy it.

Track Listing

1. Together or Alone
2. America
3. Girl U Want
4. Liquid Girlfriend
5. Proscription Day

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1151125 in Music
• Released on: 2006-05-09
• Number of discs: 1

About the Artist
Having paid his dues with some of Nashville's underground luminaries, Adam McIntyre emerged in 2003 with his solo debut Rockstars & Superheroes. McIntyre's introductory album sharply positioned him as an artist to watch. The offering of harmony-laden tunes, bolstered by an intricate power chord latticework, was massively praised in its live form as well. The Alabama native has been treading the boards and wowing audiences from Chicago to Liverpool as well as in his current home base, Nashville. With his second album, Nothing Means Anything, Adam McIntyre reinvented himself presenting a compelling statement on love and its accompanying struggles. Adam McIntyre returns with Per Ardua, his third release on indie label Headphone Treats. Per Ardua, aptly named for a family motto meaning through difficulty, is an EP made up of five thoughtfully selected tracks woven seamlessly together to create seventeen minutes of hard-hitting rock with remarkable poignancy and depth.

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Customer Reviews

Fantastic! Shock and Awe, Devo, and Dreams!
Per Adua, or "through difficulties" follows hero Adam McIntyre post traumatic divorce, second marriage, gain of child and loss of loved one, beautifully encapsulated in autobiographical Nothing Means Anything. McIntyre, who we would expect to see in shock, instead seems intent to take on his tribulations by means of shock and awe. The EP opens with 5 seconds of undisturbed reflection attacked by crashing percussion that acts as both a display of power warding off his misfortunes as well as a frustrated fit--rightly so, things are being thrown across the room, tables are flipping over and we observe the final scream and/or battle cry. As the dust clears, we realize the war is over and are greeted with dancing sitars and shakers; our hero has prevailed and is ready to have fun. The smile-song "America" whimsically scores an adventure in London. Stranded without means to return to the States, Adam recalls he and the love of his life praying for a miracle, which, unbeknownst to them, is already answered in the shape of a pregnancy. Warm and fuzzy feelings become guitars in the brilliant Devo cover "Girl U Want" where McIntyre's newly developed (sans tonsil-ed) voice shines in agreement with our favorite skillful and slippery guitar tricks. The showmanship and cool sense of humor continue in "Liquid Girlfriend," the summary of a thucked-up dream as illustrated on the EP Cover. Though intriguing, the imaginary do-it-all product that McIntyre writes on is not responsible for the collection of confident songs that he wasted no time in releasing. No, because by the time we reach the powerful wisdom of "Proscription Day" we know that it's all Adam McIntyre--self-assured, funny, at ease and in control through difficulties.

Fantastic!