Finding the middle ground between the experimental atmospherics of post-rock outfits like Sigur Rós or Godspeed You Black Emperor! and the crisply produced, melodic pop of Coldplay and Keane, Buffalo, NY, quintet This Day and Age blend atmosphere and style with substantial pop song hooks in a way that enhances both elements of their sound. Formed in the Buffalo suburb of Tonawanda in 2001, the lineup features singer and guitarist Jeffrey Martin, guitarist Mike Carroll, keyboardist Kelly Sciandra, bassist Kenneth Cambell, and drummer Steve Padin. Signing with the One Eleven Records label (an emo-oriented indie with a Warner Brothers distribution deal) in 2002, the group released its debut album, Always Leave the Ground, in September 2004. With new bassist Joey Secchiaroli replacing Cambell, This Day and Age released their second album, The Bell and the Hammer, in August 2006 to positive response. Two months later, however, Martin stepped down from the band and This Day and Age went on an "indefinite hiatus." The remaining guys continued playing together, though under a different name. ~ Stewart Mason
