The Noel Brothers - Retrophobia (2015)

The Noel Brothers are a Canadian rock band. Formed in 2014, the group consists of Todd Noel (lead vocals),
Rick Noel (bass, keyboards, vocals), and Todd Barriage (drums, guitars, vocals). The sound is eclectic, with a repertoire
that encompasses pop rock, industrial rock, theatrica, and electronica.

The band was assembled in order to record and perform compositions written by brother Dave Noel, a multi-instrumental musician and composer, who was killed in a hit-and-run in the fall of 2010. Rick was able to extract Dave's music (found at his home studio), and develop a lyrical theme based on Rick's recollections of his older brother's life struggles.

As the project evolved, it incorporated additional songs composed by Rick, resulting in an LP-length concept album, entitled 'Retrophobia'.

Retrophobia's focus on bullying, betrayal, and bedlam is carried theatrically throughout the work, and is expressed on multiple levels (personal, professional, and political). It uses a cyclical framework, having the first track 'No Way Back' foreshadowing the looming dystopia of the last track 'Mirage', with the main body of songs portraying the proverbial downward spiral.

The Artists

Todd Noel is best recognized by his theatrical performances including lead roles in Les Miserables, Showboat,
and Phantom of the Opera. Retrophobia is Todd's debut rock album.

Rick Noel is a songwriter, musician, and software writer. He has collaborated and recorded with numerous artists,
including The Cliches, Drastic Measures, and Perfect World.

Todd Barriage has extensive performance and recording/producing credits working out of Borland Studio in Quinte West, Canada.

The Producers

Having completed the composing, Rick teamed up with Todd Barriage, a Canadian producer-musician, to co-produce the record. Rick considered Barriage a perfect addition, owing to Todd's fresh, multi-instrumental talent, creative production techniques, and contemporary musical insights.

The collaboration ran from late 2014 into the spring of 2015, producing a full-length album of 16 tracks,
(counting two interludes), with a total duration of 53:03.

The 'Two Todds' recorded vocals at Dark Island Sound (Belleville, Canada), in March of 2015, honing a theatrical/pop-rock
hybrid style in Todd Noel's voice.

Retrophobia is dedicated to the memory of Dave Noel.