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Hybrid (A Course of Action album)

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Hybrid
Studio album by
A Course of Action
ReleasedNovember 7, 2004
Recorded2003–2004
StudioConnelly Springs
Genre
Length32:08
LabelSpire Records
ProducerJon Byrd
A Course of Action chronology
Hybrid
(2004) 		Now You See -EP
(2006)
Singles from Hybrid
  1. "Won't Be Long"
    Released: November 1, 2004
  2. "A Million Miles"
    Released: April 14, 2005

Hybrid is a 2004 album by the American rock band, A Course of Action.[1] "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.[2]

Background and release

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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.[3] 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.[4]

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.[5]

"Hybrid" consists of eight original songs and was released independently through Spire Records on November 7, 2004.[6]

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.[7][8]

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.[9]

Critical reception and promotion

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Charts and commercial success

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"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.[10]

Reviews from local publications such as The News Herald and Hickory Daily Record praised the band's energy and professional sound.[11] Hybrid was also spotlighted in Operation: Dinner Out Magazine, which noted their arena-level rock presentation in a local setting. In submission feedback via TAXI, reviewers praised the band’s strong songwriting, passionate vocal performance, and tight musicianship. One submission was forwarded for live TV showcasing.[1]

Promotion

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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.[12] 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.[13] They also showcased at the Mid-Atlantic Music Conference and secured placements on internet radio stations and compilation CDs.[1]

Track listing

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All tracks are written by John Culberson, Jon Byrd, Tony Hawkins, Okey Parsons[14]

No.TitleLength
1."Won't Be Long"3:45
2."A Million Miles"4:10
3."Broken Pieces"4:00
4."Over Now"4:22
5."Torn"3:55
6."Echoes"3:35
7."Fade Away"4:05
8."Final Hour"4:16
Total length:32:08[15]

Personnel

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Band members

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Style and composition

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The album incorporates hard-edged guitar riffs with melodic vocals and rhythmic structures. While the band cited influences such as Nickelback, Sevendust, Tool, and Chevelle.[20] The album exhibits a range from upbeat rock to melancholic ballads. Songs like "Broken Pieces" and "Over Now" highlight their dynamic musical direction, combining aggressive instrumental passages with emotive lyrical content.[21]

References

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  1. ^ a b c "A Course of Action / Hybrid (Band Info)". Sonicbids. Staff. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  2. ^ "Band Profile - January 30, 2009". Sellaband. Sheree Burns. Retrieved January 30, 2009.
  3. ^ "A Course Of Action Biography". Discogs. theoryofhinderback. Retrieved April 12, 2025.
  4. ^ "A Course of Action Official Site: Biography". A Course of Action. A Course of Action. Retrieved March 18, 2016.
  5. ^ "Broadjam: A Course of Action (Profile)". Broadjam. Staff. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  6. ^ "A Course of Action - Hybrid (2004)". Broadjam.com. Broadjam Staff. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  7. ^ "North Carolina Rocks With A Course Of Action". MTS Management Group. MTS Management. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  8. ^ "Band History and Discography". archive.org. Way Back Machine. Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  9. ^ "A Course of Action (formerly Hybrid) - Now You See -EP". www.broadjam.com. ACOA. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  10. ^ "A Course of Action / Hybrid (History(". Broadjam. Spire Records. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  11. ^ "Local Band Signs Record Deal Backed By UMG". Hickory Record. Hickory Record Staff. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  12. ^ "Band Profile: A Course of Action". Music2Deal. Management. Retrieved September 14, 2012.
  13. ^ "Zippo Hot Tour 2006". The Hybrid Band. Tony Hawkins. Retrieved June 26, 2006.
  14. ^ "A Course Of Action – Hybrid". Discogs. Spire Records. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  15. ^ "A Course Of Action (Hybrid) Debut Album". Spotify. Hybrid. Retrieved April 14, 2005.
  16. ^ "Meet The Band - TheHybridBand.com". thehybridband.com. Jonathan Bryd. Retrieved December 19, 2003.
  17. ^ "A Course of Action Artist Bio". last.fm. Zero Left. Retrieved April 3, 2013.
  18. ^ "Bands Across the Country". BackStage: Los Angeles. B.A.C.-STAGE. Retrieved April 17, 2025.
  19. ^ "North Carolina Band, A Course of Action (Hybrid)". A Course of Action. Sheree Bryd. Retrieved April 11, 2014.
  20. ^ "About: A Course of Action aka HYBRID". Way Back Machine. Archive.org. Retrieved May 27, 2013.
  21. ^ "A COURSE OF ACTION / HYBRID". Archive.org. Internet Archive. Retrieved October 1, 2008.
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