our years after forming at the University of Iowa, Alto Heceta remains one of the focal points of the state’s music scene. Their pastoral blend of bucolic guitar dynamics, wavering rhythms, and earnest vocalizing has gained them a small legion of fans both in their hometown and across the Midwest. Since their inception, they have toured throughout the region, performing with groups such as The Dismemberment Plan, Pele, Joan of Arc, Jets To Brazil, Rainer Maria, Cursive, and Desaparecidos.

Following the release of a now out-of-print EP, the group recorded Safe In Stereo in 2000 for their own Synaptic Tactic label. While the EP visibly showed the band growing into its own skin, it managed to crack the CMJ College Music Chart, where it rested for a number of weeks. With standout tracks like “Second Chance Detour” and “Music” tangling alluring melodies around ethereal guitar patterns, a foundation was laid for their future endeavors and an identity began to take shape.

In 2001, a collaboration with another local ensemble, Speed of Sauce, was announced. The ensuing split EP showed the band working at levels not yet seen. The rhythms were snappier, the vocals more assured, and the guitar playing infinitely more finessed; Alto Heceta sounded completely like themselves for the first time-- a truly exciting thing. The two groups toured Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois that summer, playing to some of their most receptive crowds yet. Another tour was planned, but was ultimately aborted after Speed of Sauce’s untimely demise. Instead, work began on what would become the group’s full-length debut.

Recorded over almost nine months with John Svec in their hometown, This Distance, This Weekend will see release on October 11th through Synaptic Tactic. Described by the band as a synopsis of all their competing facets, the record is surely their most crucial yet. It is also their first with former Sauce guitarist Mark Paulson, who contributed Rhodes piano, guitar, and other auxiliary instruments to the material. The new songs, some of which has been previously performed, will get a road test throughout October, where the band has lined up shows with Kilowatthours, Arlo, The Swords Project, Karate and K.

More information on this up and coming band, including tour dates, can be found on their website at http://www.altoheceta.com.

Quick Facts:

Current members: Adam Penly (guitar/vocals), Dino Balocchi (vocals/guitar), Tim Borkowsky (bass), Matt Heideman (drums), Mark Paulson (keyboards/guitar)

Location: Iowa City, Iowa

Style: Pensive Indie Rock

Labels Appeared On: Synaptic Tactic

Essential: Alto Heceta/Speed of Sauce Split EP