The Faux Paus to remain in style

Go to college, meet good friends, start a band, travel the country and pursue passions perpetually.

Such is the progression of local band, The Faux Paus, who released their second album "Basement" at the Ottawa Tavern on Friday.

Amanda Thompson, Carrie Theuring and Hannah Fritch met at UT as three film majors two years ago.

Fritch, who plays keyboard, guitar and vocals, said the group met in various classes.

"We decided to make a band in the editing lab one day when Carrie stumbled upon Amanda and myself playing around on guitar in there," Fritch said.

Thompson plays the guitar, keyboard and vocals with Theuring on the drums.

Their first self-titled EP was released last year at Culture Clash Records. Since then, The Faux Paus have taken their indie folk rock music to cities through Eastern states such as New York, New Jersey and Ohio.

Fritch said since their debut EP they have begun developing their individual sound.

"I think on the first CD we were still trying to figure ourselves out as musicians. But on ‘Basement' I feel we've got a coherent collection of songs," she said.

Inspirations for their sound include bands such as Beirut, Margot and the Nuclear So and So's, CocoRosie, Wolf Parade and Arcade Fire.

The Faux Paus established a solid fan base within Toledo and the love continues to spread. They have played at almost every venue and in various events throughout the city and plan on continuing to perform.

"On the list of highlights would definitely be our ‘Basement' CD release party," Fritch said. "Great turnout and so much support. Felt like all the work we've been putting into the CD, and the band for that matter, got a nice shot of affirmation with how excited and into [the music] everyone was."

Being filmmakers as well, the band shoots and edits their music videos. They have created videos for songs such as "Scratch Paper," "Come Along Evangeline," "Shane West" and "Athena."

They also created documentary videos about their experiences in New York.

Andrew Makadsi, another alumnus of the UT film department, also created a video for the song "Two Weeks," from The Faux Paus' first album. All videos are on their self-titled Youtube channel.

Work for The Faux Paus does not end here. The band is currently making plans for more tour dates in and around the city.

"Next on the schedule is releasing a couple more EPs," Fritch said. "We're really trying to focus on recording while we have such great resources here in Toledo, plus regional touring."

Platinum records are not necessarily what these women have in mind for their band's future.

"Self-sufficiency would be the ultimate goal," Fritch said. "But mostly, always being able to create the music that we love and truly believe is uniquely ours to offer."

The Faux Paus new CD, "Basement," is available at the Allied Record Exchange on South Reynolds Road.

For tour dates, samples and more information about The Faux Paus, visit www.facebook.com/TheFauxPaus.