Hybrid (A Course of Action album)
Hybrid is a 2004 album by the American rock band, A Course of Action. "Hybrid" was the band's very first release which also was when the band was named Hybrid before changing their name to A Course of Action in late 2006.
Background and release
Formed in 2000 by guitarist Jon Byrd and original bassist Tony Hawkins after the breakup of their southern rock band, Copperhead and Jonas Ridge fronted by singer Neil Carswell and Jason Davis. Byrd and Hawkins along with former Jonas Ridge drummer Okey Parsons searched for a lead singer until 2003, when they found vocalist John Culberson whom had achieved some regional success with his previous band True To One.After recruiting lead singer John Culberson in 2003, completing their lineup the band immediately got to work writing and recording music for their debut release.
"Hybrid" consists of eight original songs and was released independently through Spire Records on November 7, 2004.
The album featured two promotional singles, the first being "Won't Be Long" in November 2004 shortly before the album's release and "A Million Miles" which was released on April 14, 2005. Both singles were included in the band's setlist to be performed live in support of the album’s release along with a mixture of cover songs.
Hybrid helped establish the band's reputation in the Southeastern rock scene and led to increased visibility, culminating in their rebranding as A Course of Action. The album is regarded as a key entry in their discography and laid the foundation for future works, including their follow-up Now You See -EP in January 2006.
Critical reception and promotion
Charts and commercial success
"Hybrid" was distributed through multiple digital platforms and appeared on various indie charts, including Altsounds's hard rock charts where the band earned multiple No. 1 positions and over 48,000 listens in 2005.Promotion
Following the album’s release on the band's own independent record label "Spire Records", the band became active in the Southeastern U.S. rock scene, performing regularly at venues allover North Carolina, including Legends in Morganton and Sgt. Pepper's in Hickory. Local radio stations such as Charlotte's 106.5 WEND added tracks into rotation, and the band competed in the 2005 Zippo Hot Tour, reaching the semi-finalist stage. They also showcased at the Mid-Atlantic Music Conference and secured placements on internet radio stations and compilation CDs.Personnel
Band members
- John Culberson – lead singer, rhythm guitar
- Jon Byrd – lead guitar
- Tony Hawkins – bass guitar
- Okey Parsons – drums