Biography

Playing a mix of rock and roots-influenced American music with a dose of indie energy and experimentation, The Rationales occupy a comfortable place between rock, pop, Americana and indie-folk. The Boston-based quintet was formed in the summer of 2007 by singer/songwriter/guitarist David Mirabella, who had spent several years home recording, and has shared the stage with people like Jeff Tweedy (Wilco), Phil Aiken (Buff alo Tom), and Paul Janovitz (Cold Water Flat).

Longing for the rewards of being in a full-time band, Mirabella joined forces with drummer/songwriter Brian Binkowski (Halfnelsons, Blue Letter Days) and before long Matt Goldfield and Kevin McMahon were aboard. Goldfield (bass, keys, mandolin) brings his love of Americana to the fold, while guitarist/songwriter McMahon (Halfnelsons) brings his atmospheric guitar and harmonies to the mix. The final piece of the puzzle fell into place in early 2008 when John Maloney (Lorntell) signed on as bassist, freeing Goldfi eld to move to keys full time. A true ensemble, everyone brings vocal and multi-instrumental talents to the band.

The Rationales' debut release, the EP "The Going and the Gone," is comprised of six original tracks recorded at Q Division in late 2007/early 2008 with producer Ed Valauskas (The Gentlemen, Gravel Pit, Graham Parker). The EP captures the Rationales’ stylistic diversity — from the spacey feel of "Guardrail," to the pop-rock accessibility of "No Guarantees," or the Brit-pop wall of sound attack on "Far Away," to the Americana roots of "Ruby Colored Halo."