For many avid Elliott Smith fans, the words "They took your life apart/ they called you failure's art," strike a chord with the song "Tomorrow Tomorrow." For Joe Yunckes, Failure's Art is a dream that has finally been set in motion. In early 2006, Yunckes teamed up with Andrew Kraemer (Litmus, Morningside, Meantime and formerly of Jade 4), Chris Cacciato (formerly of Stony Hill) and Chris Hyatt (formerly of Dismay) to found Failure's Art. Based out of Danbury, Conn., this band is signed to an independent record label called Sleepercell Records. Failure's Art claims influences such as Neutral Milk Hotel, Elliott Smith, Iron & Wine and Things In Herds, among several other bands and artists.

Officially started in 2006, Yunckes and his "all-star backup band" began playing shows after only a month's worth of practices. Luckily, this group, being a crew of seasoned performers, was able to play well together from the beginning. In July of 2006, the boys of Failure's Art were forced to take a short hiatus when Yunckes traded the east coast for the west and moved to Portland, Ore. After a long leave of absence, Joe was back on the east coast at eager to continue with Failure's Art.

In July of 2006, Failure's Art released a CD entitled "… And The Devil Makes Three," a ten-track album with themes that range from upbeat rock to folk rock and finally to downright sad. Like most of us, Yunckes has had to deal with the cold, harsh reality of life and chooses to express his thoughts through his band. "The concept is about the art of failure," Yunckes says on Hat City Entertainment, "the art of everything you try not coming out, but still being somewhat artistic and having some worth. In the end, no matter how hard your failures drag you down, there is still an artistic value to what's left." His understanding that life is a work in progress is evident in his music, where there is often a hidden sense of optimism.

Yunckes says that he is very grateful for his friends and the constant support they have given him throughout his past musical endeavors and his future adventures. Without their constant encouragement his projects would not be possible. Not to mention that Joe is one of the nicest guys you could ever meet, which couldn't be hurting his reputation.The Failure's Art live show is not something their fans want to miss. Those of us that have been there from the beginning and throughout the band's growth will never have a bad thing to say about the live performance. Frequenting venues such as the Hat City Ale House and The Heirloom Arts Theatre (formerly The Empress Ballroom), Failure's Art has been welcomed with open arms into the Danbury community.

Although Failure's Art may not deliver the same kind of explosive energy and stage show that many people would expect from a live show, their music leaves the listeners in awe. It almost forces onlookers to take a step back and think about where their lives are, where they've been and where they're going. When a band offers that kind of insight and personality, it's hard to forget their name.

Currently, Yunckes and Kraemer are working on an acoustic EP called, "Despite My Best Efforts," which will be ready for release sometime in mid-November. If you want to check out Failure's Art, they are playing at the Heirloom Arts Theatre at 155 Main Street in Danbury with Tabula Rasa, Amnesty Underground, With Vitals and Maui in Ithaca this Sunday, Oct. 21. You can take a listen to some of the Failure's Art tracks from "… And The Devil Makes Three," on the band's Myspace.
-Erica Clayton
The Hartford Informer