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By HELEN SHUMILIN
Staff Writer

As I walked through the glowing crimson interior of Tattoo Rock Parlour and proceeded down the steps to the lounge, no fingers pointed in confusion. I brought my friend Kayla along to keep me company in a swarm of musicians who did not know who I was, a music lover interviewing relevant Toronto talent.

I was told to look for Jeff Beadle (lead vocals and guitar) and shortly he walked in with Matt Rocca (piano and organs) They both projected a down to earth welcoming nature and I began my fact retrieving quest.

Even though I was facing only two of the five band members at the time (Mike Speer pleasantly joined later), I could already sense their cooperative musical bond. Jeff explained how dramatically important a functioning real band is in terms of success as oppose to a scattered group which meets once a week while pretending to know each other.

While deep in analytical thought I asked the universal question, "What would you say your lyrical feel is based on? Relationships? Jeff glanced at me in an "it's not just about that hopeless romantic shit!" kind of way because their music revolves around everyday nuances and realities.

(Nuance -1 A subtle difference or distinction in expression, meaning, response, etc)

Their lyrics have the permeable quality to speak poetically to any listener no matter their mood or lifestyle. Ironically, Jeff explained that he and his band members do not sit and write poems that turn to lyrics. Instead they gather and expel their natural passions, feelings, emotions, and experiences to fuse together an original piece of music. This style of creation is only possible through real friendship and soulful cooperation as well as the same business aspirations between band members.

Although he did not want to speak about the past, for it is irrelevant to the successful present, Jeff did answer my question about the previous band name Afflatus. The word means divine inspiration from its Latin origin; Afflatus is part of the roots of These Three Cities yet all of the changes made regarding band members and outlooks are obviously for the extreme better. Many have said that these three cities is only 6 months old, and in that case they have exceeded every common band stereotype of slow progression.

A positive attitude and independent work ethic enabled These Three Cities to have everything from merchandise to their second EP coming out soon.

Playing at tattoo is not their only kind of venue, they are currently touring all over Canada. Banff,Vancouver, Kingston, Niagara Falls, London and more, publicity is not an issue for these five. With an originality so intense, and a band so securely structured, These Three Cities will not disappear any time soon, if ever!

Make sure to visit myspace.com/thesethreecities and www.these3cities.com for tour dates and venues, as well as their free songs, lyrics, CD's and apparel.