Local bands keep the rock in tact: Butterflies of Love

By Molly Cooper

The first and most important thing to know about the Butterflies of Love is that Dan and Jeff Greene are not brothers. "The Greene brothers are not related," Jeff announces. "The rumor is...not true." Dan confirms with a sound nod.

The second thing to know is that the band, which put out its first album, America's Newest Hit Makers in 1995, is climbing into the international music scene. Their single, "Rob A Bank," in which Jeff chants, "you make me feel like I could rob a bank," hit the charts in England, and they hope their single, "Wild," due out Nov. 15th, will make a proportionate splash.

But the Butterflies haven't forgotten their roots, and they're quick to defend the local scene. They claim local faves Names for Pebbles are both their favorite band and biggest influence.

The Butterflies brought their music, which Jeff describes as "the sound of today" to a packed crowd at the Berkeley College Common room on Sept. 30th. Their songs have a mellow pop quality with many hooks and sparse lyrics. Jesse Dillon, TD '98, calls the music "a watery dream." Kate Blofson, SY '99 says, "it sounds like butterflies' wings and fairies."

The Butterflies' current line up includes Scott Amore on keyboard, Mark Mulcahy on drums, Dan and Jeff Greene on guitar and vocals, and Peter Whitney on bass. Mulcahy, who co-produces the band's recordings with Mike Arafeh, will release a solo album in November. With the exception of Mulcahy, the members of the band reside in New Haven. Dan fills the dual roles of creative writing teacher at a local magnet school and justice of the peace. Jeff works as an itinerant art installer who is now coordinating art programs for prisons.

While most of the band's shows have been at area colleges, inns and ski lodges, their concert circuit should be heating up soon. According to Jeff, "We're going to take over the world this year, so we'll be playing everywhere."

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