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Missoula, Montana instrumental collective This is a Process of a Still Life writes songs with a focus on layered melodies and shifting tones. Formed in the spring of 2003, members Jason Ward (bass), Ben Rouner (guitar, wurlitzer), Scott Kennedy (guitar, organ), Baine Craft (percussion), Burke Jam (guitar, samples) and Grier Phillips (rhodes, organ) strive for an organic, living feel in their sound and visual art. “They are the painters of the musical community, stretching song structures into an open canvas within which they paint their moods, emotions, thoughts, and feelings” (Delusions of Adequacy – August 23, 2004).

In the fall of 2003, Process traveled to Portland, Oregon to record their first album, which was released the following spring. “Their self-titled debut is a delicious selection of explosive peaks and meandering pathways. At times it feels as if the world is crumbling; at other moments, it’s twilight outside and everything is wonderful” (Indieville.com – November 29 – December 5, 2004). Combining ambient sounds with a variety of textural elements, the band’s first album strays from the now-typical build and release formula prevalent in much of the post-rock genre. “This is a Process of a Still Life are starkly original, as they blend the finer elements of instrumental rock to create something they can call their own” (30 Music – May 20, 2004). In support of the debut, the band toured the US a number of times with a focus on the West Coast. Process has shared stages with such acts as Xiu Xiu, Maserati, Tara Jane O’Neil, Sole, Cex and Nice Nice.

Percussionist Baine Craft joined This is a Process of a Still Life between tours, after their original drummer departed to take an audio engineering internship. A frequent collaborator on both Burke Jam and Scott Kennedy’s solo projects, Craft fit into the band dynamic naturally, and the new lineup began experimenting with a broad range of musical ideas. The band chose to stay in Missoula to record their follow-up, and began tracking in February of 2005; five months later they completed work on Light. Engineered by Dave Van at Penguin Studio and mastered by Chad Clark at Silver Sonya, the album will be released in late September 2005.

Light explores a broader scope of style and mood, mixing experimental elements with pop, and the melancholy with the triumphant. “Blissfully zen out with their moody and evocative instrumentation; it’s blissful without boredom, and intellectual without pretension” (Three Imaginary Girls - August 4, 2004). Indicative of the band’s maturing sound, their second album further examines a delicately evolving sense of atmosphere and emotion. “They continue to amaze with the melodies they pull out of thin air” (The Big Takeover - Issue #55 - Fall 2004). This is a Process of a Still Life toured the US in support of Light during the fall of 2005, joined on portions of the tour by The Drift and Early Day Miners.