"The band blends electronic elements with good old rock and roll effortlessly. The result is an entirely satisfying listen." Ryan Bresee, 93.1 CKCU
“I'm sitting here at a table in the common area at St. Lawrence College listening to TELEFOTO’s ‘The Minor Keys of Desperate Hope’ on my iPod. A couple of years ago, they were those generous, easy-going guys who came out to play at our big events. Now, they're that ‘I wish I could define what kind of music this is’ band, who have put out a true work of art. Students keep asking what I'm listening to. They're not sure if they know who TELEFOTO is. I let them listen for a bit. Judging by their reactions, it won't be long before it makes it onto a lot more iPods. Well done guys.” Jim Elyot, 98.9 The Drive
"TELEFOTO offers up a record that is hard to put down once it’s picked up. The Minor Keys of Desperate Hope is TELEFOTO’s way of proving that music continues to evolve." Sideshow, K-Rock 105.7
What does one get when 3 uniquely different musicians saturate themselves with musical influences like The National, Apparat, NIN, Bjork, Interpol, Steely Dan, Genesis, Bloc Party, Mew, then meet and birth music of their own? Something equally unique and entirely hybrid.
In a small city known for spawning The Tragically Hip, Bedouin Soundclash and Sarah Harmer, it's a bit unusual to find a band navigating the waters of progressive and electronic music, and yet Kingston-based TELEFOTO is quite at home occupying that space. Brad Smith, Lee Casement & Tim Forbes collectively weave a soundscape that carries the listener to another level. All three have a tremendous love for writing and recording, in a manner that harkens back to California's 'West Coast' heyday. TELEFOTO’s tight arrangements, subtly odd time signatures, and seamless integration of technology creates a full-&-rich sonic environment; atmospheric, dreamy, and richly crafted.
The band started writing as TELEFOTO in the Spring of 2007 and by 2008 released a well-received, self-titled EP. Local alternative rock station 98.9 The Drive FM (CTVGlobeMedia) liked what they heard, and have since championed TELEFOTO's music through live on-air performances, and recruiting the band to perform at their live promotional events. Kingston's other major rock station K-Rock 105.7 FM (Rogers Broadcasting) have also taken notice of the band's local buzz, giving them prominent recognition as the ‘Artist of the Month’ on Indie Night in Canada.
On October 1, 2010, TELEFOTO followed-up their poignant EP with their first full-length recording, an interesting journey titled ‘The Minor Keys of Desperate Hope’. The album which took two years to create, is a fair leap from the EP and clearly demonstrates their evolution. This 'haunting masterpiece' explores broad themes including love lost, religion & spirituality, and the decline of Western Civilization. Tensions are created, explored and resolved, themes played upon, variations introduced, and emotions are carried along. In contrast to the influx of Canadian lo-fi Indie Rock, TELEFOTO's triumphant first full-length album is truly in a class all its own.
"It's certainly several notches above what one normally hears in a bar-setting. The ‘soundscape’ approach would lend their music well to film and video soundtracks." Gene Rankin, Rankin Sound
”Brilliant…these boys have worked really hard to get where they are at, and it shows.” Mike Reid, Music Director, 98.9 The Drive
“TELEFOTO is like a musical jungle gym where good chums explore and play. The band has penned songs that use both forward-thinking instrumentation and strong vocals. ‘8-Hour Shift’ is a catchy one - it's the fun swing everyone wants to ride.” Sarah Crosbie, K-Rock 105.7
“TELEFOTO has always brought a level of professionalism to everything they’ve done; from their live shows to recorded tracks and music videos. This album is no different.” Shawn Whalen, Promotions and Marketing Director, CHUM Radio