The Follow Gearing Up for the Release of Up With the Sun On April 18, 2006 Announce Mid and Southwest Tour Dates

COLUMBIA, MO - Oni recording artists THE FOLLOW are gearing up to release their fourth studio album, Up With the Sun nationally on April 18, 2006. A continuation down the melodic pop rock path they started in 1992 with their debut Seveneverend, this album is the culmination of the last few years of hard work, endless touring, and relentlessly striving to perfect their tight songwriting without compromising who they are and what they’re about. “I've put everything I have into this record,” said vocalist/guitarist Troy Rickertsen. “I'm appreciative of what we’ve got. I'm really happy with it.”

Sporting chiming guitars and a propulsive rhythm section that drives you along and pushes you forward, The Follow mine deep within the trenches of alt.pop and pull together an epic, spacious sound that hearkens such luminaries as the Psychedelic Furs, Snow Patrol, Simple Minds and Keane. Oozing atmospheric pop songs thickly studded with soaring vocals, their latest album Up With the Sun is a primo batch of arresting gems, including the ringing "Heart of Joy", that hits you in the gut and wrenches your heart from your chest. Recalling the rolling majesty of U2’s “Bad” and Coldplay’s “Speed of Sound”, the first single “Anything at All” is a perfect slice of majestic pop, with ringing guitars and a surging chorus that ebbs and flows. The lilting “Million” is a hit waiting in the wings, instantly singable and infectious. “‘Million’ is up there with one of my favorite songs,” said Mat Matlack (drums). “It has been part of our live show for a few years and it just has some kind of dynamic pull to it. It draws you in and puts you in the song. I love that.” Adds Amy Rickertsen (bass/fatar), “that song has tremendous meaning to me as well since it was used at my wedding [to Troy]. I am so happy it made it onto an album. We've been playing it out for a long time.”

Self-recorded and produced at Oni Studios in Moberly, MO, Up with the Sun is ready to be unleashed to the masses. “We put our everything into this album,” explained Mat. “I’ve had this record in my head for years I think. I feel that we ended up with an album full of singles that blend melody and dance vibes into rock and roll. That was our goal.”

The Follow will be touring nationally in the Spring and Summer 2006. Up With the Sun will be released April 18, 2006. “I just want to play,” concludes Amy. “I want to meet new people... see them out singing along when we’re playing live... and hear what they read into our songs.” With this album, that dream might happen sooner than she thinks.|

What the Press Is Saying...
“... moody and mesmerizing most of the time, but occasionally The Follow break out a potentially friendly radio megahit.” - The Pitch Weekly

“Up With the Sun, demonstrates some of the rock group’s greatest strengths... The Follow mixes the sound of feel-good guitars, techno-pop grooves and unique-sounding vocals to give Up With The Sun its own original sound.” - The Maneater

“‘Million’ and ‘I Won’t Change’ provide some sweet listening through the satisfying blend of vocals with instrumental breaks and catchy lyrics.” - Vox

“The Follow's ambient blanket of sound draws its influences from other thought-provoking artists like U2, Pink Floyd, and The Church. With guitars pumped through swirling delay and chorus effects, distorted bass lines, and the DrumKat machine that sits to the left of Mat's hi-hat, The Follow blends elements of acoustic instruments with popular sounds of electronic music.” - Loud Neighbor Magazine

“A cascading wall of sound and pop harmonies describes The Follow; Guitar drenched melodies, pounding rhythms,and powerful vocals fuel this Columbia, MO trio.” - The Blue Note Calendar

“... a tidal wave of sound that build around ambient melodies and soulful lyrics.” - The Missourian

“The Follow's waves overtook me and pulled me to the stage like a tractor beam.” - Grace Notes.

The Follow Tour Dates:

Mar 8 Super Happy Fun Land (Houston, TX)
Mar 9 Little Joe's Tavern (Shreveport, LA)
Mar 10 W.C. Don's (Jackson, MS)
Mar 11 Nathan P. Murphy’s (Springfield, MO)
Mar 31 Lighthouse Theater (Columbia, MO)
Apr 7 The Brick (Kansas City, MO)
Apr 23 Earth Day Festival (Columbia, MO)
May 5 Mojo's (Columbia, MO)

For more Information log onto: thefollow.com and myspace.com/thefollowusa.