Fluid Ounces (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 |
| Headquarters | Murfreesboro, Tennessee , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
Fluid Ounces (commonly abbreviated as Fl. Oz.) was a piano-driven power pop ensemble originating from Murfreesboro, Tennessee. The group gained recognition for their devoted fanbase and critically praised albums, which showcased a mix of memorable melodies, diverse musical influences, witty lyrics, and sophisticated compositions.
Formation
Seth Timbs, who had extensive experience writing on both guitar and piano, initially established Seth Timbs & The Mad Hatters before collaborating with friend Matt Mahaffey in the band Ella Minopy. Following Ella's dissolution, Timbs joined forces with bassist Ben Morton, Elijah Shaw, and local drummer Sam Baker to form a new musical project. Brian “Tha B” Rogers, formerly a member of Mahaffey's band Self, later became part of Timbs' lineup.
The group adopted the name Fl. Oz., which was eventually expanded to "Fluid Ounces" for clarity. They began performing and recording in 1996 around Murfreesboro and Nashville, working under the then-emerging Spongebath Records label.
Musical Style
Their style centered around infectious piano pop influenced by artists such as Elton John, Harry Nilsson, The Beatles, Elvis Costello, Ray Charles, They Might Be Giants, XTC, Randy Newman, and Thelonious Monk. Infused with jazz elements, their music featured lively rhythms and intricate chord structures. The dominant piano sound drew comparisons to peers like Ben Folds Five, yet critics highlighted that frontman Seth Timbs favored subtle lyrical delivery supported by a tight and musically proficient band.
Career Progression
With this ensemble, they produced their debut album, Big Notebook for Easy Piano, under the production of Ross Rice from Memphis-based band Human Radio. Released in June 1997, the record garnered favorable critiques from outlets including Alternative Press, Magnet, CMJ, The Tennessean, Nashville Scene, and Billboard. It also received a nomination for Rock Album of the Year by the Nashville Music Association. After extensive touring that expanded their audience, the band recorded their sophomore effort, In the New Old-Fashioned Way, in Jackson, Mississippi with producer Richard Dortch. This follow-up was captured live with minimal overdubbing, presenting a contrast to their debut’s production style.
Their fanbase in Nashville continued to grow, enabling them to embark on national tours, particularly following moderate radio success with the track “Vegetable Kingdom.” In 1999, prior to the official release of their second album, drummer Sam Baker departed and was succeeded by Justin Meyer. During this time, the band resided together on Broad Street in Murfreesboro—a detail noted by journalists due to Timbs' interest in noir motifs.
In the New Old Fashioned Way received positive acclaim from publications such as Ink19, PopMatters, Nashville Scene, Amplifier, Audiocafe, and Lollipop. The band temporarily relocated to Chicago to support Midwest touring before commencing work on their third studio album.
In 1999, Rogers and Morton exited as Fluid Ounces parted ways with Spongebath Records. Their roles were filled by Doug Payne (guitar) and Jason Dietz (bass). When Meyer moved to Los Angeles in 2000, Elliott Currie assumed drumming responsibilities. This configuration completed the third album, Foreign Legion, around January 2001.
Trev Wooten joined on bass in March 2001; Sam Baker returned in May as preparations began to promote the new release. The band secured a deal with Cutti Records in Japan and achieved overseas success. Seth Timbs undertook several promotional visits to Japan, bringing the full group along in February 2002.
Subsequently, the band effectively dissolved as Seth relocated to Los Angeles while other members pursued separate endeavors. Seth recorded a fourth album titled The Whole Shebang alongside Spike and Mallets drummer Kyle Walsh with intentions for a Japanese launch. Instead, it was distributed nationally through Murfreesboro’s Vacant Cage Records upon his return to Middle Tennessee. Timbs then reassembled Fluid Ounces featuring Brian Rogers (guitar), Brian G. Pitts (bass), and Kyle Walsh (drums).
Fluid Ounces released one final record, Instant Nostalgia, before disbanding in 2008.
Following this period, Seth Timbs formed the guitar-oriented band Hot New Singles from 2007 until 2010 and currently performs under the moniker The Seth Timbs Thing.
Discography
- Big Notebook for Easy Piano (1997)
- The Vegetable Kingdom EP (1998)
- In the New Old-Fashioned Way (1999)
- Foreign Legion (2002)
- The Whole Shebang (2005)
- Instant Nostalgia (2008)
References
- Hung On Every Word: Fluid Ounces Blog
- Interview with Seth Timbs
- Article on Fluid Ounces in Murfreesboro Post
- Mention in Nashville Scene
- Seth Timbs Q&A
- [ Review of In the New Old-Fashioned Way]
- [ Fluid Ounces profile at Allmusic]
- Review of The Whole Shebang