This article needs additional citations for verification. (April 2012) |
The Six Parts Seven is an American post-rock band from Kent, Ohio.[1] The band was founded in 1995 by brothers Allen and Jay Karpinski (playing guitar and drums, respectively), who had earlier played with Old Hearts Club. In 1997, guitarist Tim Gerak was added to the lineup. As of 2024, they had issued six studio albums as well as other releases such as EPs, remix albums, and compilations.
The Six Parts Seven | |
|---|---|
 The Six Parts Seven performing in 2006 | |
| Background information | |
| Origin | Kent, Ohio, U.S. |
| Genres | Post-rock |
| Years active | 1995–2008 |
| Labels | Suicide Squeeze |
| Members |
|
| Past members |
|
Background
editMost of the group's music is instrumental, featuring multiple undistorted electric guitars, with bass and drums, as well as electric lap steel guitar, viola, and occasionally piano, vibraphone, or trumpet.[1][2] The band has had a fluid lineup that has included vibraphonist Eric Koltnow and lap steel player Ben Vaughan.
The Six Parts Seven's name is based on a 1676 quote from Virginia Governor William Berkeley: "How miserable that man is that governs a people where six parts of seven at least are poor, indebted, discontented and armed". An interview with another band member claims the name derives from a childhood game between brothers Jay and Allen, however.[3]
The band's music has been used by NPR's All Things Considered news program as transition music.[4][5]
History
editThe Six Parts Seven released their debut studio album, In Lines and Patterns..., in 1998. They followed it with Silence Magnifies Sound in 2000,[6] Things Shaped in Passing in 2002, Everywhere, and Right Here in 2004, and Casually Smashed to Pieces in 2007.[7][8][9] In 2024, they published a collaborative album with Goodmorning Valentine, titled Kissing Distance, which was originally recorded in 2006.[10][11]
Band members
editCurrent
- Allen Karpinski – guitar, bass, keyboards
- Jay Karpinski – drums
- Tim Gerak – guitar, banjo, Lap steel guitar, samples
- Mike Tolan – bass, guitar, organ, banjo
- Steve Clements – keyboards
- Jake Trombetta – lap steel guitar, guitar, piano
- Jennifer Court – clarinet
Past
- Brad Visker – bass
- Ben Vaughan – lap steel guitar
- Eric Koltnow – vibraphone
- Matt Haas – lap steel guitar
- Mary Mazzer – lap steel guitar
- Heather Wiker – viola
Discography
editThis section needs additional citations for verification. (March 2025) |
Studio albums
edit- In Lines and Patterns... (1998)
- Silence Magnifies Sound (2000)
- Things Shaped in Passing (2002)
- Everywhere, and Right Here (2004)
- Casually Smashed to Pieces (2007)
- Kissing Distance (2024)
EPs
edit- The Six Parts Seven/The Black Keys EP (2003)
- The Attitudes of Collapse (2003)
References
edit- ^ a b "The Six Parts Seven: A Conversation with Allen Karpinski". WBRU. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ Crock, Jason. "Six Parts Seven: Casually Smashed to Pieces". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ "Muse: A one-part series on Six Parts Seven – Arts & Entertainment". September 8, 2007. Archived from the original on September 8, 2007. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ "The Six Parts Seven". NPR.org. July 22, 2002. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven's Harmonic Rock". NPR.org. Retrieved November 14, 2019.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven Silence Magnifies Sound". pitchforkmedia.com. Archived from the original on January 5, 2008. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven Casually Smashed to Pieces". pitchforkmedia.com. February 14, 2007. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven – Casually Smashed to Pieces". thewheelsstillinspin.com. January 31, 2007. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven – Casually Smashed to Pieces". thesilentballet.com. July 21, 2011. Retrieved March 4, 2025.
- ^ "Six Parts Seven and Goodmorning Valentine Announce New LP "Kissing Distance", Share "Meditation in D"". FLOOD. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ Smith, Jonathan (March 18, 2024). "Six Parts Seven / Good Morning Valentine "Kissing Distance"". Americana UK. Retrieved July 16, 2024.
- ^ "The Six Parts Seven Lost Notes from Forgotten Songs". pitchforkmedia.com. June 17, 2004. Archived from the original on January 15, 2008. Retrieved March 4, 2025.