Fictional Fictionists

Utah natives "Fictionist" are a relatively unknown band in the Northwest -- however through the bizarre fluke of Myspace, I came across their somber, melodic, and dulcet pop rock sound and it instantly caught my ear.

Fictionist consists of: Stuart Maxfield - Lead Vocals, Guitar; Spencer Harrisson - Bass; Jacob Jones - Keys; Aaron Anderson - Drums; Robbie Connolly - Lead Guitar, Funktastic Effects; and Brandon Kitterman - Rhythm Guitar, Toys.

The group fondly compares itself to the classics such as the atmospheric rock of Pink Floyd, and the exhuberance of the Beatles, which isn't too far off the mark. For fans of British rock such as Travis, and Oasis - Fictionist are a nice addition to the pantheon.

Possibly some of the most stand out attributes for the group is the tight instrumentation of their tracks, but also the flawless vocal harmonies. Stuart Maxfield croons along to songs such as 'Noisy Birds' and 'Set Me on Fire,' along with Robbie Connolly singing back ups which creates utterly lush and beautiful layers of sound which just wash over you.

Jamie Gadette of the Salt Lake City Weekly praised the band: "On their Website Utah’s Fictionist observe “Life’s meaning finds form as we rearrange this ancient noise,” though judging by the local sextet’s new album Invisible Hand “ancient noise” might refer to a revolution in sound dating back just three or four decades. Fictionist wrap their record in psychedelic interludes containing little of the dark, droning vibes driving works by contemporary psych-rockers The Warlocks and The Black Angels. Invisible Hand rather leans toward the sunnier, groovier end of the spectrum with soaring guitar solos topping a pile of tasty instrumental glitter—strings and moog, loops, handclaps and the occasional toy—creating an atmosphere mixed with late ’60s/early ’70s AM radio and brooding British rock (Travis comes to mind). Besides their music, Fictionist are fast gaining a reputation for being utmost professionals celebrated by festival organizers and audience members alike. Experience them in an intimate setting before they start selling out arenas."

All in all, Fictionist seem poised for something more than the aridness of Utah.