The group of brothers should not really be considered a band, but rather artistic performers since they have a particular visual/musical aesthetic that applies to their image and overall work.
"We try not to be limited by music and the culture that surrounds being as a 'band.'"-via Renowned for Sound
The foundation of the group’s aesthetic comes from the origin of their name. Just like the group itself, the name is tri-fold, in meaning. It draws on inspiration from their favorite works of various multimedia resources—especially poems, literature, philosophy, and music.
First off, the reflection of that specific word on their work:
“Our shows aren’t just concerts, but something much more special — where people can go not only to watch our performance but also to have an impactful experience.” “That’s why we call ourselves The Ceremonies,” explains Mark. “We’ve created a sense of communion through music,” adds Matthew. “Ceremonies can be both positive or negative. Ceremonies are held for someone’s funeral or wedding; they are all-encompassing gatherings about engaging with emotion.”-via Atom Factory Inc.
Secondly, the name is a reference to two of their favorites works:
- The dystopian novel, “The Giver” by Lois Lowry—children in the story go throughceremonies of rites of passages based on age."specifically the ceremony of three (there are three of us) during which the children begin dream telling" via Renowned for Sound
- Joy Division/New Order’s Ceremony
Third and lastly, their name is also a reflection of their initials, since M.C. stands for Master ofCeremonies.
The brothers also bring their individual artistic experiences to form the overall aesthetic. The culmination of the brothers’ work can be seen on their Land of Gathering music video. Each of them provided an artistic element in the production design and execution of the video, based on their individual schooling and interests. The twins worked on the painting and animating of the video, since Michael is attending art school as an abstract painter and Mark is a writer/painter who is pursuing a business degree.
Watch the Land Of Gathering video here
The artistic backbone of the group is Matthew. who is not only the musical architect and lyricist, but also a conceptual art student pursuing film. He directed and edited the Land of Gathering music video as well. As for the music, Matthew does the writing, drawing creative inspiration from William Blake, Wordsworth, and Aldous Huxley. He has been involved in many different bands before joining with his brothers in 2012.
The next layer of their aesthetic is their musical influence. The wide range of their favorite artists include: Arcade Fire, The Smiths, The Cure, The Doors, Echo & the Bunnymen, Joy Division, Michael Jackson, and of course the theatrical Talking Heads, especially in Stop Making Sense
Although they draw inspiration from those wide range of artists, The Ceremonies have an indescribable and unique sound. It defies particularity in genre, remains alternative and experimental in thought/feeling (almost avant-garde, but then again not really), but overall it still feels light and accessible to listeners.
This song sounds like an indie-pop/rock version of a Beirut song, because of the unique combination of percussive beats, driving bass lines, soaring yet soothing vocals, and a variety of synth sounds. It’s simply addictive. You can literally put this song on a loop, and it would sound just as fresh with every play.
Their own description of their recently released self-titled EP is quite imaginative. Usually I form my own creative wording on a band’s overall sound and work, but their own words are magnificent in describing the pure feeling of that work. It’s equally ornate and intriguing, and there’s no better way to describe the art AND the artist, than to just quote them. It’s one thing to be a genius in lyrics and musical form, but these guys are genius in diction, syntax and language itself. It is right to note them as artists, in all nuances of the word.
"The EP takes you on this sort of aural journey, melodically, dynamically, and lyrically. The melodies were written in the name of nostalgia while the lyrics are derivative of an innocent and imaginative child’s perspective on an overly mangled reality. The words are as if this child were to assimilate the troubles and complications of adulthood and approach each scenario with a much more holistic perspective. Our hope for the EP is that it may take the listener to an imaginative place where they too may broaden their view."—via Renowned for Sound
Wolfdance is my favorite song off the EP. I’m speechless in trying to describe the perfection of this song. In the only words I can seem to conjure up, it is sort of what I imagine what a new Talking Heads track to sound like, yet it still sounds purely Ceremonial
Haunting, edgy, and indulgent is how I would describe Ballroom Bones. You can almost here skeletons move between foxtrotting and headbanging. It’s amazing.
3 has always been my favorite number, and the brothers certainly live up to the magical quality of three. Amazing things will happen to The Ceremonies, mark my words. Makes me want to move to the San Fernando Valley with my two siblings and start a band.