Dark Before the Dawn
| Dark Before the Dawn | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 📅 Released | May 1, 2011 | |||
| 🎙️ Recorded | 2006-2011 | |||
| Studio | Fox Mountain Studios, TN.[1] | |||
| ⏳ Length | 36:13 | |||
| 🏷️ Label | Spire Records | |||
| 🤑 Producer | Eric Greedy, Brad Vosburg | |||
| A Course of Action chronology | ||||
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| Singles from Dark Before the Dawn | ||||
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Buy this album Dark Before the Dawn or listen to it on amazon
Dark Before the Dawn is the debut studio album by the American rock band, A Course of Action.[2] The album was released on May 1, 2011, via Spire Records and was their first full-length album under the name "A Course of Action", after they changed it from their original name, "Hybrid", in 2006.[3]
Background and release
Following the band's name change from Hybrid to A Course of Action in late 2006, the group began gradually working on new material for what would become their debut full-length studio album.[4] Initial writing and demo sessions took place sporadically between 2006 and early 2011 while the band continued performing regionally and adjusting to lineup changes, including the addition of drummer J. T. Silvestri.[5]
The album was recorded independently without backing from a major record label, and maintaining creative control of the whole process with the exception of working with Los Angeles-based producer Eric Greedy[6] who is known for his work with national acts such as HURT and Barenaked Ladies.[7][8] The recording sessions took place in the band's hometown of Connelly Springs, North Carolina, and spanned several years due to the band's DIY approach and regional touring schedule.[9]
Six months after Dark Before the Dawn was released on May 1, 2011, the band revealed the album will be the final release with bassist and founding member Tony Hawkins who announced his retirement from the music industry in December 2011[10] and was replaced by Wes Johnson, leaving guitarist Jonathan Bryd as the sole founding member remaining in the band.[11][12]
Style and composition
The album reflects the band's transition from their early southern rock roots into a more modern alternative rock and post-grunge sound.[13] Lyrically, the songs center around themes of emotional struggle, internal conflict, and perseverance—anchored by melodic hooks and layered guitar harmonies.[14]
Promotion
As an independent band at the time, A Course of Action handled much of the promotion themselves through ReverbNation, social media, and grassroots marketing.[15]
Charts and commercial success
Dark Before the Dawn had a modest independent release, primarily distributed through digital platforms, the band's official online-merch store, and physical CD sales at concerts.[16][17]
While exact sales figures were never made public, the single "Never There" charted on Untapped Radio's Top 10 for rock songs for several months and peaked at number two, which significantly boosted interest in the album.[18]
Though the album did not chart on any national sales charts such as Billboard, it was considered a success within the band's independent trajectory, laying the groundwork for their increased visibility in the years that followed—including performances at Rocklahoma, the 2014 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, and other music festivals.[19][20]
Singles
"Never There", the album's first and only single received moderate success on satellite radio and charted on Untapped Radio's Top 10 where it remained for several months, reaching a peak of number two.[21][22]
Track listing
All tracks written by John Culberson, Jonathan Byrd ,Tony Hawkins, J. T. Silvestri.
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | "Tell Me Why" | 4:42 |
| 2. | "See You Again" | 3:10 |
| 3. | "Never There" | 3:37 |
| 4. | "Until Its Mine" | 4:03 |
| 5. | "One Step From Down" | 3:31 |
| 6. | "Shadow" | 4:59 |
| 7. | "Slow Burn Out" | 4:21 |
| 8. | "Dark Before the Dawn" | 4:10 |
| 9. | "Screaming" | 3:32 |
| Total length: | 36:13[23] | |
Personnel
All songs written by John Culberson, Jonathan Bryd, Tony Hawkins, and J.T. Silvestri.[24]
Band members
- John Culberson – lead singer, rhythm guitar[25]
- Jonathan Byrd – lead guitar[26]
- Tony Hawkins – bass guitar[27]
- J. T. Silvestri – drums[28]
Technical personnel
References
- ↑ "ACOA - Studio Update". acourseofaction.com. ACOA. Archived from the original on 6 October 2008. Retrieved 26 September 2007.
- ↑ "A Course of Action - Dark Before the Dawn (Album) on Apple Music". Apple Music. Apple. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Biography - A Course Of Action". acourseofaction.com. Sheree Bryd. Archived from the original on 18 March 2016. Retrieved 18 March 2016.
- ↑ "A COURSE OF ACTION BAND HISTORY". museboat.com. museboat Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "BackStage LA Introduces STAR 1 RECORDS New Rock Group "A Course Of Action"". BackStage: Los Angeles. BackStage LA Staff. Retrieved 10 March 2015.
- ↑ "Eric Greedy: Production Credits". Discogs. Eric Greedy. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Allmusic: Eric Greedy Credit List". Allmusic. Allmusic Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Eric Greedy /Producer/Mixer/Recordist/SongWriter/Business Major". Pro Studio Live. Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action Short Bio". last.fm. A Course Of Action. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "INTERVIEW WITH JOHN CULBERSON". RockRevolt.com. Rock Revolt Staff. Archived from the original on 7 August 2014. Retrieved 7 August 2014.CS1 maint: Unfit url (link)
- ↑ "New A Course Of Action Lineup To Perform At Rocklahoma Music Festival". prweb.com. ACOA. Retrieved 11 April 2014.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action Discography". Discogs.com. theoryofahinderback. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Dark Before the Dawn (2011)". acourseofaction.bandcamp.com. Jon Bryd. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action Sounds and Style". broadjam.com. Broadjam Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course of Action Band Profile". ReverbNation. Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action: Dark Before the Dawn (2011) Amazon Music". Amazon Music. Staff. Retrieved 8 December 2013.
- ↑ "Dark Before the Dawn by A Course of Action". CD Baby. A Course of Action. Archived from the original on 13 April 2015. Retrieved 13 April 2015.
- ↑ "A COURSE OF ACTION - NEVER THERE (2013 SINGLE)". last.fm. Spire Records. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "The Veer Union Heat Up Charlotte's Amos' Southend With A Course Of Action". Cryptic Rock. Patricia Jones. Retrieved 22 March 2016.
- ↑ "A Course of Action to Rock The Legendary Buffalo Chip at Sturgis, SD Biker Rally". www.24-7pressrelease.com. Sheree Bryd. Retrieved 11 July 2014.
- ↑ "INTERVIEW: A COURSE OF ACTION – JOHN CULBERSON". www.rockrevoltmagazine.com. Rock Revolt Magazine. Archived from the original on 20 April 2020. Retrieved 11 February 2013.CS1 maint: Unfit url (link)
- ↑ "A Course Of Action: Never There (2013 CD single)". Discogs.com. A Course of Action. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action - Dark Before the Dawn on Spotify". Spotify. Spotify Staff. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "A Course Of Action - Dark Before The Dawn Credits". Discogs. Spire Records. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Nationally Acclaimed North Carolina Hard Rock Band A Course Of Action Signs With Star 1 Records". PR Log. Star 1 Music Group.
- ↑ "A Course of Action Interview with Rock Revolt Magazine". rockrevoltmagazine.com. Rock Revolt Staff. Archived from the original on 2014-08-07. Retrieved 2025-04-19.CS1 maint: Unfit url (link)
- ↑ "Dark Before the Dawn by the rock group A Course of Action". Shazam Music. Staff. Retrieved 11 December 2011.
- ↑ "A Course of Action Band Member Credits". Allmusic. Carolina Music Awards. Retrieved 13 April 2025.
- ↑ "Eric Greedy - A Course Of Action Credits". Discogs. Eric Greedy. Retrieved 27 November 2011.
- ↑ "Jon Byrd's Production Credits". Discogs. ACOA. Retrieved 17 December 2011.
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