They and the Children

Words and photo by Meredith Turits

Middletown, Connecticut outfit They and the Children took its name from a chapter in the Republic in which Plato is having a hypothetical discussion about the creation of an ideal society. Plato states that women and children must be confined because they’re incapable of taking part in a perfect establishment.

“It would be naive to think that just because something is classical means it’s something you should take word for word,” says vocalist/lyricist Brian Frenette. “But if people blindly accept things like that, it makes this construction upon women and children okay throughout history.” He sits forward in his chair, pensive. “Our band name is derived from the hypocrisy of that statement and the idea of challenging things around you and not accepting things at face value. [It’s about] thinking outside of that little box.”

The simple concept of questioning expectations is what drives Frenette, bassist Christopher Perrotti, guitarist Ryan Gorman, and drummer Sean Gorman, as well as the ethics they live by and the music they play.

“I think you can hear that in our music, as well — challenging musical norms,” Perrotti says.

The band’s releases, tour regimen, and relentless commitment to a DIY community have been their collective voice since formation in 2003. Their discography, which includes a five-song demo, two-song 7-inch, split 7-inch with friends Daniel Striped Tiger, and a late 2005 EP, Thoughts on Becoming a Ghost (Tor Johnson/Shock Value), muses upon the bigger questions. Vibrant hardcore assaults and brilliantly structured compositions mesh with intelligent lyrics to push the boundaries of their Northeastern hard rock niche. And the band’s two latest efforts look to keep causing a stir. This month, the band will release a 7-inch split with Philadelphia band Towers through the Shock Value label. Recorded with Dan Franko, the record will see life just in time for the band’s U.S. tour with Call It Arson.

Their greatest endeavor, however, will be their highly anticipated full-length, which they are currently demoing with Mark Scialabba. It is slated for release at the end of 2007.

“[Writing for this record] has been a dynamic process in that we’ve had these songs for the past six months, but we’re refining them and keeping them fresh by playing them,” Frenette says. “We’re a little bit more focused song-by-song. Now, we stretch things out, take a little more time to develop ideas.”

“The rapport gets stronger,” he continues. “You kind of just know what the other person is thinking ... so it makes the situation more of a group dynamic with more group-oriented writing.”

Lyrically, Frenette says it’s imperative to keep his words in the vein of the band’s perspective — full of novel ideas.

“We live in a [politically correct] world where we don’t talk about [certain] things, and it’s interesting to at least try and address them and start a dialogue,” he points out.

Stocked with phrases like, “The association of words and meaning and actions are guided by those who teach, those who preach the objective / But subjectivity allows for one person to make all the difference,” They and the Children’s compositions leave no question as to where the band stands.

When the record is pressed, They and the Children know it will be up to them to push it forward. But publicity won’t be an issue — they have the support of their DIY community behind them, and three tiny words with an immeasurable impact: word of mouth.

“It’s a very small but very dedicated community for supporting bands,” Frenette remarks about the band’s Northeast roots. “It’s definitely really easy to meet a bunch of people who are like-minded and will help you out and you’ll help them out. They really bend over backwards. We’re eternally grateful for that.”

With a steadfast support network, consistently outstanding records, and an ethical outlook that wouldn’t be moved by even the most forceful earthquake, They and the Children look to be in great stead.

“We’re about continuing to be playful and looking at things in a different light,” Perrotti says. “Just now our questions are getting a lot deeper.” He looks around and laughs to himself. “I have this thing on my wall that I found. It says, ‘Growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional.’ And that’s just us.”