Philadelphia-based Constant Recourse combines elements of rock and electronic styles with thoughtful and well-crafted lyrics, melodies, and harmonies to form a balanced Rock/Pop sound. The band’s music has been compared with the harmonious but punchy sounds of Ben Folds and the rock sound of Switchfoot. Formed in early 2006, Constant Recourse includes Ben Mell, guitar and lead vocals; Matt Gore, keyboard; Luke Patterson, drums; Zack Groff, electric guitar; and Jessica Mell, vocals.

The members of the band, excluding Jessica, met and decided to form Constant Recourse while playing together in their church’s praise team. Ben, who had originally met Jessica in high school, reconnected with her while they were in college. He invited her to join the band in the summer of 2006. In March 2008, Ben and Jessica married. The age range among the five members spans 9 years. The youngest member, Zack, is 20 and attending Temple University; while the oldest member of the band is Matt at 29, who teaches piano and attends Westminster Theological Seminary. Embracing this variety, the band uses it to their advantage to appeal to a wide audience.

Constant Recourse has been very active in its three years of existence. In May 2006, the band was selected in the nationwide Band With A Mission Competition and showcased at Nashville’s Rocketown. The band then released its first album, Something Brighter, in July 2006 and played shows locally through the fall to promote it. The following year, Constant Recourse participated in the 2007 Emergenza International Music Competition and finished in 5th place among the 180 participating bands in the Philadelphia area. Immediately following Emergenza, the band played venues in the summer 2007 Extreme Tour, which took them as far West as New Mexico.

Constant Recourse released their second album, REMAIN, in March 2009. The band is currently booking and playing many local venues. Recently, one new song, “Nothing to Live For,” was featured on a special edition compilation album called “Philly Rockers For Life” featuring 25 local Philadelphia bands.