artist Faraway Neighbours

North Bay-based alt folk act Faraway Neighbours wears their influences proudly: the band's debut album "Carry On, Man" crafts soundscapes which reflect their love of Radiohead, Grizzy Bear, Great Lake Swimmers and Ambulance Ltd. in a style all their own.

Originally hailing from Sault Sainte Marie, the trio -- guitarist Chris Cucullo, bassist Andrew Sowka and drummer Vince Aquilina -- produced their debut over four months in winter 2010 with producer Ben Leggett handling mastering duties. Released May 28, 2011 on indie imprint Brood Records, the disc's 11 tracks deliver songs with literate, carefully crafted lyrics, rich harmonies and curious arrangements -- no surprise given the band members' early introduction to music.

In the case of Vince Aquilina, folk music wasn't just a past time, it was a serious vocation - the drummer's father cut high school short to pursue music and that interest carried over to family life. Aquilina was raised in a musical household filled with instruments and joined a youth choir as a boy. Life for bassist Sowka wasn't much different; his uncle repaired and built mandolins and ukuleles. Lyricist Cucullo's father prided himself on his collection of guitars. For all three, music was serious business, and finding joy in it became effortless. Faraway Neighbours have made it a mission to take a page from Grizzly Bear and Radiohead: make music that you love and you will undoubtedly find an audience willing to listen.

Since their debut two years ago, Faraway Neighbours have shared stages with Craig Cardiff, Pat Robitaille, Wax Mannequin and Jean Paul de Roover and showcased at the Ontario Council of Folk Festivals in Niagara Falls. In September, the band played at featured set at the 2011 Kitchener Ontario Independent Music Festival.