The Development, a teen band based in Barrington, released its first album, called “1745” on Sept. 7. Band members include Eli Kelley on guitar, Grace Lardner on vocals, Tor Kenyon on drums, Niki Pareek on bass, Emmett Van Leer on piano, Owen Brady on alto saxophone, and Medeski Dow on guest alto saxophone. The album was produced by Randy Hunicke and Frankie "Ranks" Moniz, who also acted as a mentor. 

Though their interest in music began at a young age, the band officially started up when they were in middle school. 

“All of us are really close friends and that helps with our band dynamic,” Eli said. 

The band takes influence from artists such as David Bowie, Rush, Pink Floyd, and Dave Matthews Band. The Development has a distinctive style; showing up to gigs in black leather jackets, they rock out to prog-rock fusion numbers. 

Each band member has their own musical tastes, which they say contributes to the diverse style of their songs. Emmett said, “We’re kind of a rock driven band, and we all play a lot of Jazz. I think the reason that a little Jazz seeps into The Development is because the stuff that we write and the stuff that we like to play is very experimental. It’s full of theory. So we’re almost experimental in its own genre.” 

Recorded in one week over the summer, “1745” has seven songs that can be found on any major music streaming service, such as iTunes and Spotify. 

Release party details

An album release party with The Development, is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 18, at 6 p.m. in the Salem Family Auditorium at Barrington Public Library. Two sets will include original songs as well as covers. The event is free and open to the public.