The History
1995 - Mike Lewis and Miles: Despite generating acclaim with their song Slip Slide Melting on the multi-platinum selling "The Crow" soundtrack, East West (Elektra) recording artists, FOR LOVE NOT LISA (FLNL), decided to call it quits after 4 years of work plateaus.
1996 - Mike Lewis and Geoff Riley: Mike Lewis contacted Geoff Riley, former FLNL roadie, who had recently departed from regional touring band, CLOVIS. Lewis and Riley quickly melded their individual styles into a dense network of complex rhythms, thick layered guitars, and hummable melodies. Brandon Ebel of Tooth Nail Records signed Puller with only a handful of songs and no solid line-up. Corey French and Ryan Jewel completed Puller and the band quickly produced SUGARLESS. Since Puller holds high importance to a vigorous live show, the first release from Puller heralds the same tenacity as their stage show, with the help of engineer BILL KRODEL (Dag Nasty, Sense Field) and mixing engineer MR. COLSON (Smashing Pumpkins, Cheap Trick, Paw, Skunk Anasie, Walt Mink). SUGARLESS as a first outing is riddled with anti clichˇs, time, trial, grit, and restlessness -- all riding with an ease of "art for the sake of art". PULLER has shared stages with pop punk band MxPx, ex-Iron Maiden metallist Bruce Dickinson, Swervedriver just to name a few. Puller's self-booking, self-promoting, and self-managing touring philosophy has paid off in the way of recognizable sales and a formidable indie fan base.
1997/98 - Mike, Geoff, Dustin and Miles: Dustin Holt was added replacing the current bassist. Dustin quickly proved to be a smart and timely acquisition, becoming exactly what Puller was looking for. Meanwhile, Lewis called Miles, former FLNL guitarist/songwriting partner, and asked him to join the band. Miles agreed and the band relocated from Oklahoma to Los Angeles. Miles' influences helped bring about the final construction of Puller like the missing piece to a puzzle. What has developed is best described by Lewis as, "a kinder, gentler Puller."
The New Album
CLOSER THAN YOU THINK represents a fresh collaboration; it's Puller at its fullest. With each musician, having space to explore, it's not startling that they have pushed the envelope to the point of exploding. Puller, with familiar formula, wisely employed Krodel who tracked the drums at MEDIA KITCHEN. Puller then moved camp and personal studio, along with engineer, Andrew Alekel, to a house in East Hollywood Hills. There with the neighbors and El Nino permitting, Puller completed tracking and production and MR. COLSON completed the mixing at SMART STUDIOS in Madison, Wisconsin (home to Butch Vig and Garbage).
A departure from the typical, Lewis inspired by life's recent upheavals -- gives voice to his soul, while his bandmates communicate with fervor through their music. CLOSER THAN YOU THINK is a maturation of style without abandoning the initial medium. In Miles' words, "all the colors and brush strokes have melded together to create a record that even after countless listens still manages to evoke the energy and emotion that was poured into it's making."
PULLER has defined themselves, in the era of slack, as one band that does not plan to slow the steps needed to make solid recordings, work hard on the road, or grow in the business of music.
Discography
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