Hailed as “a small town band with a big imagination” (Pete Mason, NYS Music), Ithaca, NY’s “prog soul” rockers Noon Fifteen deliver fun, imaginative songs with rich vocal harmonies and old school instrumentation. Mandy Goldman (vocals & guitar), Samuel B. Lupowitz (keyboards & vocals), Joe Massa (guitar), Harry Nichols (bass & vocals), and Simon Bjarning (drums & vocals) are taking the band into its second decade with their infectious mix of dance grooves, rock opera grandeur, and melodies that will follow you all the way home. Think The Beatles meet Aretha, or Lake Street Dive by way of Yes. For the five friends, nothing is musically off-limits.
Though the onset of the pandemic in 2020 stalled their output, Noon Fifteen is back and ready for more. With a series of single releases on deck, the band’s long-percolating third album, the aptly-named Finish What You Started, is slated for release in 2026, Noon Fifteen’s ten-year anniversary. While several Finish What You Started tracks have been staples of the band’s live show, and more than a few have appeared as interactive 360º videos on the band’s YouTube channel, the completed LP will connect the individual songs across their multi-year recording journey, through their unifying theme of facing fear.
Prior to COVID-19, the band made their recorded debut in 2017 with the self-producedVolume 1. On Halloween 2019, Noon Fifteen released their epic prog-pop suite, At the Festival, which recounts a mourning man’s trip to a music festival as it takes a turn toward the supernatural.
“The alternate musical styles of At the Festival drive the narrative through the album. The band shines here moving effortlessly between pop soul sounds, prog rock riffs and sonically soaring movements. The free, yet vocally stunning “Wandering” showcases the beautiful harmonies this group can deliver . . . Well-crafted and performed, At the Festival is a testament to Noon Fifteen’s willingness to explore and grow musically. This is an effort to be cheered.”
~Derrick Ottman, NYS Music
“As is to be expected at this point from Noon Fifteen, the entire 22-minute epic is packed with emotion, groove, catchy hooks, superb musicianship and orchestration, clever lyricism, and vocal precision . . . At the Festival finds the perfect application for multiple proficient lead singers . . . an engaging, entertaining, and thought-provoking listen that will definitely not disappoint existing fans and new listeners alike.”
~George W. Wilhelm III, New Music Friday
“Outshining conventional pop music with their creativity, the tracks on Volume 1 manage to double the length of the average pop song without feeling bloated or repetitious . . . Mandy Goldman’s vocal finesse and versatility is particularly evident . . . Each member of the group is essential to the overall sound of the band.”
~George W. Wilhelm III, New Music Friday
“Another prime example of talented original musicians that help make our music scene so special.”
~Kyle Farr, Ithaca Times
“I’m partial to female vocals – and this town is packed with women who can mesmerize with their voices. One of them has been working with some of my favorite singer-songwriters lately . . . Mandy Goldman is the real deal. And Sam Lupowitz is one of the real craftsmen of melody and words in the region, writing ear worms with thoughtful and thought-provoking lyrics that are fun to dance to or just hang out and listen.”
~Jonathan Hochberg, Finger Lakes Music Press
“One of the most versatile vocalists on the local scene, Harry Nichols goes from raucous punk pop to power metal to soulful a cappella in his various projects and handles them all equally well.”
~Jim Catalano, Ithaca Journal
Mandy Goldman – vocals & guitar
Samuel B. Lupowitz – keyboards & vocals
Joe Massa – guitar
Harry Nichols – bass & vocals
Simon Bjarning – drums & vocals
