A turning point in Piebald's career came when they recorded seven tracks, and put them on the CD that came to be known as Sometimes Friends Fight. Their musical sound had greatly matured, and Travis' lyrical ability was finally brought to the forefront of the band's music. Another two seven-inches later, Piebald was ready for another metamorphosis.
Eleven tracks recorded at Salad Days became the first record to showcase Piebald's signature sound and wry jokes. Traditionally the most sought-after Piebald recording (before it was immortalized in its entirety on All Ages), When Life Hands You Lemons was considered to be Piebald's best music yet. This release furthered the lyrical style that had been growing within the band, and also showcased the first lead vocals by lead guitarist Aaron Stuart, and a piano track by Shettel.
Following If it Weren't for Venetian Blinds, It Would Be Curtains for Us All, Piebald released their most popular album to date, We Are the Only Friends We Have. It featured the single "American Hearts" which achieved a modicum of success, garnering some mention on MTV and college radio. This, together with the band's signing to respected indie label Big Wheel Recreation brought Piebald their most mainstream attention to that date. This trend was continued when the band signed to the very popular Side One Dummy label and released their next album, and when Piebald was chosen to play 2004's Warped Tour.
The following album, All Ears, All Eyes, All the Time, features noticeably improved vocals by singer Travis Shettel and continues their evolutionary progress toward the piano-driven fare they've tended towards over the last couple of releases, and features such additions as horn sections, increased use of vocal harmonies, and extremely catchy hand-claps.
Piebald's latest album, Accidental Gentleman was released in late January of 2007. Its mix of raw rock and roll and perfected lyricism, which has always set Piebald apart, shows the band at a peak for themselves and the rest of the music industry. With cover songs like the Kinks' "Strangers", front man Travis Shettel brings a whole new generation the universal truths famously broken down by the legendary Ray Davies into three minute pop songs.
Lead singer Travis Shettel has released solo recordrings under the name Totally Travis. Shettel is also a member of LA based The Was.
The band generally only tours during the summer due to lead singer Travis Shettel's day job as an elementary school teacher.
Piebald announced they would be breaking up following the end of their US tour with The Format, Limbeck, Steel Train and Reubens Accomplice. Piebald played their farewell tour in April 2008 with one stop in New York city and two in Cambridge, MA.
Opener
Piebald Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Piebald's song Opener is a reflection on the divide between those who share their thoughts openly and those who choose to keep their secrets hidden. The opening line, "If you don't want to know, why'd you ask with phrases slow?" is directed at someone who is asking for information but not truly prepared to hear the truth. The next line, "You hear too much still want it all," suggests that while some people may appear to be open and transparent, they still keep certain things to themselves. The chorus, "Listen to the writing on the wall," communicates the idea that there are always signs and signals that can help us understand one another if we pay attention.
The second verse brings in the concept of language, with the line "Greek alphabet can ruin days off a tongue that swills and sways." This could be interpreted as a commentary on how language barriers make it difficult to communicate effectively, or how certain words or symbols can hold particular weight or meaning that doesn't translate across cultures. The following lines, "If you're the one who feels it I'm the one who lets it go / Lots of thoughts to think but nothing to really know" could be read as an acknowledgement that some people are more emotional and expressive than others. The final lines, "You paint yourself with clouds around you so just sit back relax and take the pill / You think I know nothing about you, but I know something more than I should spill" suggest that even if someone seems closed off, there may be insights or observations that those around them can pick up on.
Overall, Opener is a song about communication, perception and the different ways people use language to express (or conceal) their emotions and thoughts.
Line by Line Meaning
If you don't want to know, why'd you ask with phrases slow?
You seem to be asking questions that you don't really want to know the answers to. Why are you using vague and slow words to ask?
You hear too much still want it all. Listen to the writing on the wall.
You are trying to absorb too much information but you still want to have control over everything. Pay attention to the obvious signs.
Greek alphabet can ruin days off a tongue that swills and sways into ears that must digest. The mind is forced to clean up the mess.
Using complex language can confuse and frustrate people. The mind has to work overtime to comprehend it all and make sense of it.
If you're the one who feels it I'm the one who lets it go. Lots of thoughts to think but nothing to really know.
I am someone who chooses not to hold on to emotions, while you experience and dwell in the feelings. There are many thoughts to ponder but no real answers to grasp.
When you were young you made no words sounds and noise that still unnerved and now you've grown and you can speak. For some though, it's all tongue in cheek.
As a child, you were silent and couldn't express yourself. Now that you are older, you can talk, but for some, their speech is just empty and insincere, lacking true meaning or purpose.
You paint yourself with clouds around you so just sit back relax and take the pill.
You surround yourself with a hazy and unclear persona, so just let go and be calm. Take something to make you forget and relax.
You think I know nothing about you, but I know something more than I should spill
You believe that I am ignorant about your life, but I actually hold some information that I shouldn't reveal.
Contributed by Hunter V. Suggest a correction in the comments below.