The Muckrakers

On July 8, 2005, more than 800 people showed up to The Muckrakers pre-release concert in Louisville, Kentucky. The Mayor proclaimed it "Muckrakers Day." Louisville media started with "it’s about time" and ended with "damn, how that band delivers." On September 13, the highly-anticipated debut album from The Muckrakers will be released nationally on Toucan Cove Entertainment. FRONT OF THE PARADE handily delivers on the promise of the great American pop rock band.

The AAA dream band, The Muckrakers draw from the accessible melodics of Matchbox 20, Crowded House and Barenaked Ladies (from whom they also draw their sardonic lyrical humor and unusual stage antics). From the can’t-get-it-out-of-my-head sing-a-long of "When the Morning Comes" to the slightly mournful "Warning Sign," each of the twelve tracks live through and dissect a particular human experience. While the lyrics may be decidedly mature, writer Rob Carpenter doesn’t disregard the kid that lurks within, filled with hope and wonder. The first single/video, "Through My Door" is just such a poignant plea to the universe to fulfill the need for love.

Produced by Todd Smith (Days of the New, Smash Mouth), the album has spotlight moments with members of the Louisville Symphony Orchestra as well as hip-hop group Code Red.

Though the band has opened for the diverse likes of Vertical Horizon, the Violent Femmes and even Jessica Simpson, their reputation as an extraordinary live act is based on both the validity of the music and the band’s interactive, conversational relationship with its audience. Well, that, and they were voted by a local newspaper as the "Band You’d Most Want to Hook Up With."

The Muckrakers are Rob Carpenter (lead vocals, guitar), John Ruby (guitar, vocals), Brian Meurer (bass), Micah Gerdis (guitar) and David Sparks (drums).