History
Aqueduct
The Evolution of David Terry's Pop Sensibility
Aqueduct, the brainchild of David Terry, continues to refine its signature pop sensibility, with a notable evolution evident in its later releases. While the infectiousness of the pop hook remains a central element, Terry has expanded his sonic palette significantly. Moving beyond the expansive drum sounds and synth-driven "blip-pop" of I Sold Gold, the album Or Give Me Death explores a broader range of instrumentation. This includes mariachi horns, lush, Gershwin-inspired strings, intricately looped and layered vocals, and the rich tones of the grand piano, all complemented by a more prominent presence of electric guitar.
From Epperley to Solo Acclaim
David Terry, formerly the frontman for the 1990s band Epperley, has demonstrated considerable artistic growth since the release of I Sold Gold in 2005. The album Or Give Me Death stands as his most melodically intricate and lyrically mature work to date, even featuring a notable track dedicated to the beloved film The Princess Bride.
Origins and Early Recognition
Aqueduct's journey began in 2001 on the plains of Tulsa as the solo project of David Terry, a dedicated pop music enthusiast. The project relocated to Seattle in 2003. Within hours of Terry's arrival, Aqueduct was performing as an opening act for Modest Mouse at The Showbox. The band quickly garnered attention throughout the Pacific Northwest for the sophisticated cleverness of its poignant lyrics and its irresistible, piano-driven melodies. The self-released CD Power Ballads, circulated in 2003, introduced Aqueduct to a growing audience, including representatives from Barsuk Records.
Barsuk Records and Continued Development
Following extensive work with producer Matt Pence, who helped refine both new and existing material, Aqueduct released their full-length debut, I Sold Gold, alongside the EP Pistols at Dawn. Barsuk Records proudly presented these recordings, characterized by their infectious "bedroom pop" aesthetic. While Or Give Me Death marked a departure from the intimate "bedroom" sound, it retained the label's perception of Aqueduct's consistently perfect pop craftsmanship.
