Doomed Confessionary: Matt Lamoureaux (Probes)
Hailing from Denver, Colorado, noise-rock/sludge trio Probes was created during the height of the lockdown in June of 2020 after the pandemic put Matt Rinehart and Matt Lamoureaux’s other projects on extended leave. Stuck at home with only his bass, preamps, and Logic Pro, Rinehart had ideas for songs that he could only create using bass guitar and programmed drums. Lamoureaux had a vision to bring the project out of the basement and into reality.
David Saylor (T2, Voideater), who had formerly played in The Lurchers with Lamoureaux, was the perfect drummer for such an experimental project. A general lack of conventionalism, paired with hard-headed insistence to DIY-all-the-things, has resulted in the self-production of several EPs and shows at some of the diviest bars in the Denver area.
Probes’ fourth self-produced EP, »You Were Gone«, was released on all streaming platforms and CD on January 26th, 2024.
Can you say a few words about your band?
We are a drums, bass and vocals band from Denver. Since there’s no guitar, we make our sound as full as possible in other ways. Kind of like someone who lost a sense – the others grow stronger to compensate.
What was the biggest challenge for the band last year?
Dealing with shitty local venues that don’t support local music. A few are now on our black list.
What can you be most proud of last year?
Setting a deadline for ourselves to finish our 4th EP. We started recording in November. Finished up and had it released by January 26th. We take much pride in doing everything ourselves – it’s a constant evolution. We’re very lucky to have Matt Rinehart on lead bass, as well as handling the recording and production – he’s a wiz! It’s nice to be able to do whatever we want, without the time and financial restraints of a professional studio.
What was your biggest regret?
No regrets!
What was the best concert/tour last year and why?
Quicksand’s 30 year anniversary of the Slip album was so good! They’ve always been a huge influence on 2/3 of us.
What was the biggest surprise on the music scene for you?
The over-saturation of doom bands. I get it – the pandemic birthed a bunch of dark and depressed babies. Including us!
What is currently in your heavy musical rotation?
Aesop Rock – Integrated Tech Solutions
Rid Of Me – Access To The Lonely
Fotocrime – Accelerated
Can you say something more about the music scene in Denver / Colorado?
Our management company, 4130 (ran by Amanda Menard), has not only been a huge help with booking shows, but is also helping to build a new scene here in Denver. We’re very lucky to be a part of it, along with most of our favorite Denver bands. We’ve developed so many great friendships because of this. Thanks, Amanda!
Where can we see you live this year (concerts/tours)?
Mostly in the Denver area, but we’re also taking some trips to other Colorado towns. Maybe a short run. Hopefully opening for more touring bands we love. Who really knows!
What are your plans for this year as a band? What do you personally want the most?
We have a pretty simple formula. Write 3 songs. Record them. Release an EP. Play some shows. Repeat. This new EP is our 4th, and they seem to come pretty steadily once a year. The longer we do it, the better we get.
How can people best support your band?
Follow us on our socials. Post our music and get it out there if you like it. Play it for your friends. We only want to be heard.
Do you have any message for your listeners?
These songs are a cleansing of my soul from negative experiences endured. Hopefully they can help others cope with past trauma and influence growth.
Bojan Bidovc // music enthusiast, promoter, misanthrop and sometimes a journalist as well