The
Story:
Two musicians
(Ali Jafri, and Peter Emmett) bored with school decided to create
their own music in 1995. Jafri’s swirling, soaring effects
laden guitars and emotional vocal style, Emmett’s solid driving
bass, and a drum machine sent them off to a flying start. This sparked
the creation of Looks Like Rain, this cassette was a passionate
beginning for this young band carving out there place in the world
of music.
Enter Laird Hurley (djembe,
percussion, keyboards), an energetic and exciting addition to the
sound. In July 1995, Laird joined Ariel on the sidestage at LOLLAPALOOZA
‘95 where they introduced themselves with a stellar performance
in front of a very large and receptive audience. Ariel added two
new members, keyboardist Mark Totti, and drummer Warren Darby who
helped dazzle audiences at KOSMIC ‘96 and on PARLIAMENT HILL
for a political rally in Canada’s capital the following year.
In the Fall of 1996,
Ariel left Ottawa to move their base of operations to Toronto. A
mutual friend/DJ from Kosmic ‘96 connected drummer Daniel
Gamble (ex-In Faith) with the band. Warren stayed home in Ottawa.
The strength and versatility that Gamble brought to the band inspired
the boys to record their 1st full-length record, Withdrawn-CD released
on Plan Eleven in 1997. This album made an impact as it charted
at college and university
radio stations in Canada, and received positive reviews from various
publications as Ariel continue to build themselves
as a band to watch for.
In 1999, this psychedelic
band explored a more percussive world influenced style that weaves
through the dark and light sides of their sound on the album Big
to the Sky, also released on Plan Eleven. Since this release Ariel
has shared the stage with KING COBB STEELIE, DAVID J of LOVE &
ROCKETS and BAUHAUS, YAKUDO (Japanese Drummers), The CHAMELEONS
(UK),
as well as various North American, UK and Japanese artists throughout
Ontario and Quebec at various venues. In January 2002, local electronic,
dark/ambient artist Glenn Love joined the group to replace keyboardist
Mark Totti. Glenn has brought his approach with electronics to ARIEL’s
sound!
As the band
continues to explore new ways to express their sound, they’ve
already started talks with a great local producer named ROB SANZO
of SIGNAL
TO NOISE STUDIOS. Keep your eyes and ears open!
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