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.
Vacuum
Piebald Lyrics
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Suck you in I'm just like a vacuum.
Piebald's song Vacuum tells the story of a person who is about to give up on everything and take someone along with them. The opening line "I'll drag you down with me" reveals the dark and dangerous intentions of the singer. The use of the word 'drag' suggests the act of pulling someone down, possibly against their will or without their knowledge. The following line "Suck you in I'm just like a vacuum" further emphasizes this idea of being irresistibly powerful, much like a vacuum that pulls in everything in its path.
This song also hints at the idea of codependency and how two people can be so entwined that they are unable to separate themselves. The line "I'm just like a vacuum" implies a sense of emptiness within the singer, and they are looking to fill that void with someone they feel close to. However, this desire for companionship has turned toxic and the singer is now taking someone else down with them, perhaps out of spite or desperation.
Overall, Vacuum is a powerful and dramatic song that explores themes of control, codependency, and self-destruction. The use of metaphors and imagery further enhance the emotional impact of the lyrics, making it a haunting and unforgettable piece of music.
Line by Line Meaning
I'll drag you down with me.
I will bring you down with me.
Suck you in I'm just like a vacuum.
I have the ability to pull you in, just like a vacuum does.
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA/AMCOS
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