The Visible Men are an American pop band formed in 1999, consisting of Dustin Lanker (vocals, keyboards), Dan Schmid (bass guitar), Jordan Glenn (drums) and later Jimi Russel (guitar).
Biography The Visible Men initially formed in the fall of 1999Shakra, Aaron. 'Local Music Label Gains Recognition' Oregon Daily Emerald. April 15, 2003. as a side project for Cherry Poppin' Daddies members Dustin Lanker and Dan Schmid, both wanting to write and perform songs in a more experimental vein than what they had been doing with the Daddies.Iwasaki, Scott. Deseret News. May 5, 2005. The band played their first show in November 2000, aided by Daddies drummer Tim Donahue, who remained with the band until he left to tour with Yngwie Malmsteen the following year.Taylor, Lewis. Drums Up A Whole New Dimension' The Register-Guard. April 26, 2002. The group recorded several demos and played live shows—with and without a drummer—until indie label Leisure King Productions offered them a deal. The label encouraged Lanker and Schmid to hire a full-time drummer, which led to Jordan Glenn joining the band.
The band's debut album, the minimalist acoustic and piano-driven In Socks Mode, was released in 2002. Their second release, Love:30, followed three years later. In contrast to In Socks Mode, Love:30 had a stronger psychedelic slant, utilizing a fuller sound and more instruments, including organ, electric guitar and accordion.
The Visible Men toured extensively throughout 2005 and 2006, primarily in Oregon and Washington, though they also embarked on tours through California, the Southwest and the majority of the Northwestern United States. In February 2003, the group performed The Who Sell Out at John Henry's in Eugene.
In 2006, the band recruited guitarist Jimi Russel and announced that they were working on new material that, according to Lanker, was "influenced by 70s and 80s rock, but [had] the same pop influence".O'Rourke, Tim. 'Forecast: Visibility At All-Time High' Eugene Weekly. April 27, 2006.
The Visible Men went on hiatus in 2007, and by 2009 the band's website had been disabled. Their last performance to date was a one-off show on November 27, 2009, at John Henry's in Eugene, Oregon.
Members Dustin Lanker – vocals, keyboards/piano Dan Schmid – bass Jordan Glenn – drums Jimi Russell – guitar (2006 - ) Tim Donahue – drums (2000–2001, occasional studio recordings)
Discography Year Title Label2002In Socks ModeLeisure King Productions2005Love:30Leisure King Productions
References
External links The Visible Men at Bandcamp.com