Folks,

At this point I'd say it's safe to say that the rumors are true. There has been a lot of confusion regarding the exact status of the band, primarily due to a mutual lack of communication between band members (much of this I am at fault for). After over three years, somewhere around five hundred shows, two full lengths, a split LP, and a couple of rather drastic lineup changes it seemed (this of course being my opinion) that the band entered a downward spiral that couldn't be reversed. Although we all broke this rule countless times, the philosophy of "If it's not fun, or if each member isn't enjoying themselves, then why continue doing it?" can be viewed as the focal point of the band's demise. During the past year or so arguments, shifting interests, consistently harsh tours, depression, and conflicting views all seemed to be on a steep rise individually and collectively. Eventually these conditions combined with the delay of the record, growing debt, the closing of the Fireside Bowl (as petty as it sounds), personal feelings of a lack of satisfaction, a lack of group unification, a lack of inspiration, a lack of motivation, and a growing dissatisfaction with the music industry (corporate, independent, scene politics etc) led me to distance myself from the project midway through the summer. Initially, the ultimate state of the band was unclear to me, and perhaps everyone else, but after a lot of thought and time away I came to the conclusion that as Mr. Neil Young eloquently stated, "It's better to burnout then to fade away". It is my personal belief that any continued writing/playing from the band following the events of the past three years would be forced and lacking. The experiences I had with the people in the band, the people at shows, and people who were close to us (or became close to us as a result of the band) personally and through our music were equally amazing, inspiring, angering, horrible, and trying. Letting go of this has been extremely difficult for me (I'd assume the same for the rest of the members), but sometimes bowing out is the best option. As per everyone's current events: I'm currently working various jobs, slowly hacking away at an English degree, working on my solo project (Hanalei), and will be involved with a new band composed of friends and acquaintances here in Chicago (we are beginning practice this week and are as of yet unnamed). Paul is playing with friends, working hard, and going to school. Randy and Omar are both working and we'll most likely be playing music in the near future. As per past members: Jordan is playing in Whale Horse with some of the guys from the Honor System and the Pines (check them out!) and working at Whole Foods. Shane is playing in a band in Austin, Texas, working, and just recently had a child. Congratulations are due. From the bottom of my heart I'd like to personally thank everyone who ever took interest in the band, supported the band, was affected by the band, and played in the band. It's been… a whole lotta everything. Further thoughts or correspondence can be made with me at : hurricanewe@hotmail.com

Best Wishes, Brian