Personnel: Emilee Seymour, Tim Armstrong (vocals); Mike Green (guitar); Anton Patzner (violin); Lewis Patzner (cello); John Paulsen (organ, percussion); Ben Kramer (organ); Nick Foxer (keyboards); Paul MacD Ruxton (vibraphone); Miles Hurwitz (bowls); Dean Butterworth (percussion).

Audio Mixers: Jared Kvitka; Joe Mabbott; John Feldmann; Mike Green ; Matt Radosevich.

Recording information: Foxy Studios, Los Angeles, CA; Skyline Studios, Oakland; Talking House Productions, San Francisco, CA; The Hive, North Hollywood, CA; The Treefort, Los Angeles, CA; Tim's House, Los Angeles, CA.

Photographer: Sarah Schaaf.

Arranger: John Paulsen.

Originally a product of the Bay Area's celebrated punk scene with the usual local influences, the Matches have completed their evolution into purveyors of finely orchestrated power-pop on A BAND IN HOPE. The Matches still have the exuberance of young Oakland punks, but have channeled that energy and excitement into a wealth of ideas. "Darkness Rising" is a haunting and dramatic piano ballad with elegant vocal harmonies and hymn-worthy echo, and "To Build a Mountain" is modern day-glo tremolo psychedelic pop. A BAND IN HOPE touches on Elvis Costello and other tailored new-wave pub rockers without blatantly imitating anyone.