The Wetsuits formed in 2009 when Jim O'Neil of Biddeford, Maine joined Dana Pearson and Byon Yeatts of Kennebunk to form a pop-rock trio. In their live gigs throughout southern Maine, whether playing acoustic or electric sets, they've mixed up covers and originals; the covers range from The Beatles and Cream to Joe Jackson and The Decemberists, with the originals easily blending in. While arranging their material, much time is spent on harmonies, and it is this attention to vocals that has earned The Wetsuits their highest praise, and sets them apart from most other groups. Even though he's an accomplished guitarist, Jim's primary role is drummer, while Dana plays bass (and guitar) and Byon plays guitar (and bass). 'The Wetsuits' album started in April 2011, when Jim laid down the original drum tracks. For the next two years, the group recorded and mixed and re-recorded and re-mixed at Jim's and Byon's home studios, eventually paring down to 12 originals written by Dana and/or Byon and arranged by The Wetsuits. The songs were recorded on ProTools, which was used by Jim to master the tracks throughout the spring and summer of 2013. A word about the cover art: Jim's sister Maureen Grandmaison is a photographer. She volunteered her services for a shoot at Biddeford Pool on October 9, 2011, when the typically warm fall Atlantic and a freakishly hot day combined for a relaxing, fun session in the water. We donned expendable jackets and ties, grabbed a couple of equally expendable guitars (courtesy of Mo), and got wet. We've used many of the pictures from that day for various promotional purposes since then, and cannot thank Mo enough for her continued support and encouragement. Here be the liner notes: 1. Don't Forget to Walk Around (Pearson) We're standing in a most unusual spot Things are better than originally thought When Fate takes your hand, leads you to my hometown Do me a favor, don't forget to walk around I can remember a 'specially rainy day The thunder rolled my girl away You'll find that old city easy to surround Once you get inside, don't forget to walk around I don't know her, she just brought my tea Though she does look good standing next to me Here comes my plea at the speed of sound Wherever you go, don't forget to walk around I don't like this, it's not what I planned Been away so long it's like a foreign land No one here knows me, they're all underground That being said, don't forget to walk around Simply put, you've set me on the right track It's one-way baby I'm never turning back Little darling, will you look at what I've found Looks like your hand, let's not forget to walk around Byon: harmony and backing vocal, organ, acoustic and electric guitar solos Dana: lead and harmony vocals, bass Jim: backing vocal, electric rhythm guitar, drums 2. Blonde Chicks Laughing (Pearson) Blonde chicks laughing, texting as they're passing by Not a single one bothers to look you in the eye But it's OK, you've left that game behind The other day when she said yeah, you're mine Blonde chicks laughing, not a care in the world Hitting their peak as they become the prettiest girls But it's OK, you've left that game behind The other day when she said yeah, you're mine Don't need the aggravation of looking high and low After years of desperation, of going with the flow You've done the calculations, there's nothing you don't know It might take a year until it's plain The choice you make sends all the others away Blonde chicks laughing, models of joie de vivre They'd have you know it's better to give than receive But it's OK, you've left that game behind The other day when she said yeah, you're mine It might take a year until it's plain The choice you make sends all the others away Byon: harmony vocal, bass, electric guitar fills Dana: electric and acoustic rhythm guitar Jim: lead and harmony vocal, electric guitar solo, drums 3. Wonder Why (Yeatts) Once in a lifetime you may find the one Look for the sublime, looking for the son I have never seen before, wandered down the corridor Always missed the hidden door Show me the
