Formed in the winter of 2012, The Effie Afton is an indie singer/songwriter… Read Full Bio ↴Formed in the winter of 2012, The Effie Afton is an indie singer/songwriter rock band from the Quad City area of Illinois/Iowa.

MEMBERS

Tim Smith (vocals, guitar) grew up performing with the Moline Boys Choir, where he first developed a love of music and met future bandmate Benjamin Larson. He received his first guitar at 14 and began writing songs soon after. The young guitar player met a drummer in high school named Matt Toomey and the two began playing together.

Benjamin Larson (guitar,vocals) also spent his childhood performing in the Moline Boys Choir. Despite meeting in the MBC, Ben and Tim did not collaborate until the winter of 2011, when Ben asked Tim to play Christmas jazz at a local mall. The two began playing together and eventually formed The Effie Afton.

Matt Toomey (drums, bass) began playing the drums in his teenage years. He listened to various genres of music, but was trained as a jazz drummer. He performed in various bands with Tim before becoming a founding member of The Effie Afton.

Derick Kaptiena (bass, vocals) met Tim, Ben, and Matt through a mutual friend and joined The Effie Afton in the summer of 2013.

LIVE

The Effie Afton made their debut on December 29th, 2012 at the Rozz-Tox with Sunset 4Ever. Since then, they have performed with many different artists on a variety of stages. Some of the venues they have performed at include RIBCO, the River Music Experience, Uptown Bill’s, Silvie’s Lounge, and the Rozz-Tox. They continue to book shows all over.

RECORDING

To date, The Effie Afton has released two EPS. The first, titled ‘The Living Room Session’, is an acoustic 5 song digital album. It was recorded live at Randy’s(former) house with him playing drums and Matt on bass. The outfit’s second release is a self-titled EP including a handmade sleeve and disc. It was recorded at Smith and Toomey’s houses and all of the mixing was done there as well. Both EPs are available on the store page.

ORIGIN

The band takes it’s name from an event in local history. In the mid 1800s, a railroad bridge spanning the Mississippi River was proposed. There was much opposition from the local steamboat captains who couldn’t compete with the business a train could do. The motion carried and the bridge was erected in Rock Island. Just a few weeks after it’s completion, a steamboat went through the bridge. The ship turned around and crashed into the bridge and both burned.

The Sound
The Effie Afton Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

Listen to the sound
Of the running water
Let it calm you
Take you deeper now
You needn't worry, not tonight
Cause everything will be alright

Listen to the sound

Of the beating heart
The subtle stop
The sudden start
You needn't worry, not tonight
Cause everything will be alright

The love we had was not the cost
It may be hard, but isn't lost
So close your eyes and take a breath
And I'll be there with you

Listen to the sound
Of my slowed breathing
My love is here
But life is fleeting
You needn't worry, not tonight
Cause everything will be alright

The love we had was not the cost
It may be hard, but isn't lost

So close your eyes and take a breath
And I'll be there with you

Overall Meaning

The lyrics to The Effie Afton's song "The Sound" convey a sense of comfort and reassurance in times of uncertainty and worry. The first verse encourages the listener to focus on the sound of running water, allowing it to bring calmness and take them deeper into a state of peace. The lyrics suggest that there is no need to worry, as everything will be alright.

The second verse shifts the focus to the sound of a beating heart. It describes the subtle pauses and sudden starts in the heart's rhythm, symbolizing the ups and downs of life. Once again, the lyrics emphasize that there is no need to worry because ultimately, everything will be alright.

The following lines highlight the importance of love and its enduring nature. It acknowledges that although love may sometimes be challenging, it is not completely lost. The lyrics urge the listener to close their eyes, take a breath, and find solace in the fact that love will be there with them in difficult times.

The final verse explores the fragility of life and the transience of moments. It refers to the singer's slowed breathing, suggesting a sense of vulnerability and impermanence. Despite this, the lyrics reassure the listener that they need not worry because everything will be alright.

Overall, the lyrics of "The Sound" convey a message of comfort, urging the listener to find solace in the natural rhythms of life, the enduring power of love, and the belief that things will ultimately work out.

Line by Line Meaning

Listen to the sound
Pay attention to the sound

Of the running water
Like the flow of water, let it soothe and calm you

Let it calm you
Allow the sound to ease your worries and bring you peace

Take you deeper now
Guide you into a more serene state of mind

You needn't worry, not tonight
There is no need to be anxious, especially not tonight

Cause everything will be alright
Because everything will be fine

Of the beating heart
Listen to the rhythm and emotions of the heart

The subtle stop
The brief moments of pause and stillness

The sudden start
The sudden bursts of energy and excitement

The love we had was not the cost
The love we shared was not a sacrifice

It may be hard, but isn't lost
Although it may be difficult, it is not completely gone