News on your favorite shows, specials & more!

THE ALMOST


BIO:
The Almost’s second album for Tooth & Nail /Virgin Records began taking shape just as soon as the band came off the road after touring for their 2007 debut, Southern Weather, including a stint on that summer’s Warped tour.That album, which debuted at #39 on Billboard’s Top 200, earned them a Top 10 single at Alternative radio, and a spot on MTV’s Discover & Download, was essentially the work of a single individual—Underoath drummer Aaron Gillespie, who wrote all the songs, played all the instruments and then recruited a band to play them live, starting with fellow Floridian Jay Vilardi, a veteran of several well-known area bands like Metal Blade’s Phoenix Mourning and Orlando-based Hand to Hand.“My job was to teach everyone the songs,” explains Vilardi, who describes himself as the band’s musical director. The addition of Philadelphia-based guitarist Dusty Redman, himself a veteran of Tooth & Nail bands like Beloved and Dead Poetic and Salt Lake City bassist Alex Aponte rounded out the line-up.The now thoroughly road-tested band was intent to make their latest a completely collaborative effort, melding their talents into a whole that was more than the sum of its individual parts. The process began with Vilardi, Redmon and Aponte e-mailing files back and forth to Gillespie, who was busy penning lyrics and coming up with musical ideas of his own while touring with Underoath, before all four of them got together in the studio to jam and work out the arrangements.It was a system that resulted in a powerfully cohesive album that melds their diverse songwriting skills, from the thudding, Raw Power-like stomp of the title track and “Monster Monster,” to the stark acoustic blues and closing psychedelic jam of “Monster,” the techno-rock laced with tribal drums of “Books and Books” and the melodic Coldplay/U2/Kings of Leon arena-rock anthem, “Hands.”“It turned out to be a really good process because we wound up with a tremendous amount of material we can use,” says Vilardi.“We jammed on these tracks for hours before we actually laid anything down,” nods Gillespie. “This now feels like a real band. Everyone gave up a piece of his own agenda for the good of the final result. And that’s how you end up with something special. It was a relief for me because it took a lot of the weight off my shoulders. They supplied the bricks and we built the house together.”The guys also enlisted the help of steel guitarists Chris Scruggs (grandson of bluegrass legend Earl Scruggs) and John Davis (Superdrag vocalist/guitarist) while in the studio. Both Scruggs and Davis helped they guys broaden their musical pallets on a few tracks like “West” and “Hand Grenade.”“It was whatever each of us could do for the song,” agrees Redmon. “There were no ego issues, no one screaming, ‘I’m Eddie Van Halen!’”Gillespie says the songs are about the dark side of the human condition, battling your demons to come out the other side, starting with the album’s title.“I’m giving in to you,” he roars in “Lonely Wheel,” though in “No I Don’t,” which segues from an acoustic beginning to an anthemic rock chorus, he admits, “I’m learning how to wait.” The hard-hitting “Young Again” and the country-flavored “Hand Grenade” (“Oh to be young/It sounds like so much fun”) are both about lost innocence, while “Souls on Ten,” with its piano flourish and urgent intensity, has a Springsteen feel and the grungy garage-rock of “Summer Summer” offers an elegiac nod to vintage Neil Young with Crazy Horse.“It didn’t start out as a concept album, but by accident, I think it became one,” says Aaron. “It’s about the ‘monster’ that lives inside of all of us, which we have to fight to get rid of. It’s a battle you live with every day. In the end, when that stops, the question remains, can you now life your life? Can you get all of who you are, can you find a place that makes you happy?”That catharsis comes across loud and clear in the final song on the album, dubbed “Monster,” which starts with Gillespie alone, accompanied by a single dobro. “Learning how to see/In this weird change of space/I’m learning to believe in this life… I feel you helping me.” The song builds until, about two-thirds of the way through, the rest of The Almost come in, embarking on a spontaneous acid-soaked jam, recorded live, that provides the ultimate release.“Everybody needs that,” says Gillespie. “For some people, it’s drinking, others run, some throw baseballs. I play music. That’s what I do. That gets rid of the garbage in my life.”“It’s about how terrible we can be at times,” says Vilardi. “It’s hard to be a person today who stands for something. It doesn’t make you better… sometimes it even makes you worse.”On “Hands,” the band prove they can create an arena- and radio-ready rock anthem, with its martial beat, chiming keyboards and lush ‘80s new wave fizz“It’s like an Achtung Baby vibe,” nods Dusty. “That song came out of nowhere. We demoed it, then got into the studio and started playing it and just got real excited.”“I like working with a song structure,” says Gillespie. “In Underoath, that’s not what we do. We create moments, which is important, but The Almost is something different.”“Monster Monster” and “Young Again” demonstrate Jay and Dusty’s love of classic garage punk, like the Stooges and the Velvet Undergound. “We really want to put the middle finger back in rock,” says Vilardi. “We love the attitude of bands like Guns N’ Roses.”And that’s strange, because it turns out that rebellion doesn’t conflict with being on Tooth & Nail, where the support of community is almost as important as the religious implications.“Music should reflect who you are,” says Aaron. “I believe there’s hope in finding who you are. That’s my conviction. At the same time, I want anybody, no matter their affiliation, to react to the music in the same way. I don’t want people to feel they’re being judged.”With the addition of drummer Joe Musten (Gillespie played all the drums on the album), The Almost is ready to hit the road and do what they do best, play for their increasing fan base around the country.“We plan on hitting it as hard as we can,” laughs Vilardi. “We’d like to leave and not come back for two years.”“We’re just beginning now to establish our identity,” concludes Dusty. “There were a lot of people now who are finding out about Underoath through The Almost.”Now there’s a transformation for you.

Latest Articles


Olly Alexander Premieres New Single 'Cupid's Bow'; New Album 'POLARI' Out in February Photo Olly Alexander Premieres New Single 'Cupid's Bow'; New Album 'POLARI' Out in February
by Blair Ingenthron - October 13, 2024

Olly Alexander unveiled his new single 'Cupid’s Bow' and announced his upcoming solo album POLARI, set for release on February 7, 2025. The album explores themes of desire and intimacy. get a first listen . ...

SO WHAT?! Fest Unveils Complete Lineup Ft. Underoath, Skillet, Asking Alexandria & Mo Photo SO WHAT?! Fest Unveils Complete Lineup Ft. Underoath, Skillet, Asking Alexandria & More
by Josh Sharpe - April 23, 2024

Check out the full lineup for the 2024 edition of So What?!. Headliners include Norma Jean, P.O.D., and Skillet, past headliners Asking Alexandria, Mayday Parade, The Devil Wears Prada, Attila, and Underoath, who will perform their acclaimed album ‘They’re Only Chasing Safety.'...

So What?! Fest Reveals Lineup Of Metal/Hip Hop/Pop-Punk Artists Ft. Underoath, Ian Di Photo So What?! Fest Reveals Lineup Of Metal/Hip Hop/Pop-Punk Artists Ft. Underoath, Ian Diorr, Skillet & More
by Michael Major - January 25, 2024

Check out the lineup for the 2024 edition of So What?!. Headliners include seminal rock acts such as Norma Jean, P.O.D., and Skillet, along with past headliners Asking Alexandria, Mayday Parade, The Devil Wears Prada, Attila, and Underoath, who will perform their acclaimed album ‘They're Only Chasin...

Aline Garza Releases New Single 'Day One' Photo Aline Garza Releases New Single 'Day One'
by Michael Major - January 23, 2024

For her first foray into the recording studio, she was able to bring along some impressive friends: “Day One” was produced by hitmaker Adam H. (who has worked with artists as diverse as Ray J, Ne-Yo, Elise Estrada, Def Leppard and Loverboy) and mixed by five-time Grammy winner Orlando Calzada (Lady ...

TAMA GUCCI Releases 'Toxic' Cover & New EP Photo TAMA GUCCI Releases 'Toxic' Cover & New EP
by Michael Major - September 27, 2022

Tama Gucci aka Kymani Floyd, shares Almost Blue (After Hours Deluxe) via Sinderlyn. His latest project features remixes of several tracks originally found on his widely praised 2021 Almost Blue EP including six remixes from Autow Nite Superstore, Swami Sound, Phyzical Trax, Indigo Heaven, Peter Fond...

Quinton Griggs Unveils New Single 'Anything Goes' Photo Quinton Griggs Unveils New Single 'Anything Goes'
by Michael Major - September 23, 2022

'Anything Goes” is already a crowd favorite, having made waves at Quinton’s live performances, including a recent show at LA’s School Night. Now, Quinton is gearing up for ‘The Almost Famous Tour’ with Beauty School Dropout. Hitting cities such as New York, Austin, and Chicago, catch his incendiary ...

Tama Gucci Announces 'Almost Blue (After Hours Deluxe)' & Shares SONIKKU Remix Photo Tama Gucci Announces 'Almost Blue (After Hours Deluxe)' & Shares SONIKKU Remix
by Michael Major - August 30, 2022

The new project from the New York City-based, Miami-raised musician, vocalist, and electronic composer aka  Kymani Floyd features a cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” and six remixes from Autow Nite Superstore, Swami Sound, Phyzical Trax, Indigo Heaven, Peter Fonda and SONIKKU, whose new take on Tama’...

The Dip Confirm Fall Headline Tour Photo The Dip Confirm Fall Headline Tour
by Michael Major - July 19, 2022

The Dip will embark on an extensive headline tour this fall with newly confirmed shows at Los Angeles’ The Belasco, Charlottesville’s Jefferson Theater, Louisville’s Headliners Music Hall, among many others. The band will also join Lake Street Dive and The California Honeydrops for select dates this...

Saint Kochi Shares New Single 'Lifeline' from 'Almost Lost' EP Photo Saint Kochi Shares New Single 'Lifeline' from 'Almost Lost' EP
by Michael Major - July 13, 2022

Occupying a similar space to the likes of Unknown Mortal Orchestra, Mercury Rev or Scott Walker, “Lifeline” follows previously released epic cuts “Out Of Time” and “Almost Lost”, and is similarly built on a woozy string-section adored soundscape, expertly supported by a concoction of throbbing bass ...

Josh Johnson Announces 'The Josh Johnson Show' Podcast Album Photo Josh Johnson Announces 'The Josh Johnson Show' Podcast Album
by Michael Major - July 07, 2022

Whether it’s stories about watching someone pitching a pyramid scheme at a funeral or a little lunch thief that evaded an entire school, the album promises laughs and plenty of shock. Shock at how a sweet little grandma can quickly turn into a full weed fiend and shock at how Josh managed to navigat...

Wild Arrows Release New Single 'Here's The Ghost' Photo Wild Arrows Release New Single 'Here's The Ghost'
by Michael Major - June 09, 2022

'Here's the Ghost'' was a true collaborative effort between the band's Mike Law and the collective of producers Gary Atturio (Psychic TV, Belle Mare), Grady Walker and Nick Krill  (The War On Drugs, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah), who worked on the album at Law's studio, The Civil Defense. ...

Maxim Mental (Solo Project of Say Anything's Max Bemis) Shares New Track 'Grace Beyon Photo Maxim Mental (Solo Project of Say Anything's Max Bemis) Shares New Track 'Grace Beyond Christ'
by Michael Major - June 02, 2022

Make Team Presents Maxim Mental in Maximalism was co-written and produced by Grammy nominated producer Will Yip (Code Orange, Title Fight, Turnstile) who is also a longtime collaborator of Max Bemis. Today’s song follows the release of singles from the album, “Evermore (and the Grammy goes to)” and ...

Light in the Attic Announce 'Earl's Closet' Photo Light in the Attic Announce 'Earl's Closet'
by Michael Major - May 26, 2022

Earl McGrath was the ultimate ’70s jet setter, an art collector and comic bon vivant, who stumbled into the record business and discovered Daryl Hall and John Oates, and later Jim Carroll, while holding court at his legendary salons in Los Angeles and New York. Atlantic founder Ahmet Ertegun gave Ea...

Docaos Release New EP 'Escolha Keywords' Photo Docaos Release New EP 'Escolha Keywords'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 19, 2021

With its rock base, the band is not afraid to go beyond style, with experimental tones and Brazilian music (mainly northeastern)....

Bad Business Club Preps For a Groovy Summer In 'Flip Me Over' Photo Bad Business Club Preps For a Groovy Summer In 'Flip Me Over'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - May 17, 2021

Bad Business Club is a Nu-Disco collective with some old-school Yacht Rock touches. All Things Go said of their debut EP that it has “style that will take some back to the late 70’s, with harmonies larger than life that can bring arena shows to those humble headphones.”  ...

Punk-Rockers Red City Radio Drops New Single 'Apocalypse, Please!' Photo Punk-Rockers Red City Radio Drops New Single 'Apocalypse, Please!'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - November 19, 2020

North American punk-rockers Red City Radio have unleashed a brand new single today with the release of “Apocalypse, Please!” ...

Travis Release New Track 'Waving At The Window' Photo Travis Release New Track 'Waving At The Window'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - October 06, 2020

10 Songs is about the way life comes at love and what love does to weather those challenges....

Travis Release Fran Healy-Directed Lyric Video For New Track 'All Fall Down' Photo Travis Release Fran Healy-Directed Lyric Video For New Track 'All Fall Down'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - September 16, 2020

Following the release of their latest single “The Only Thing” featuring Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles, Travis today unveil their newest track, “All Fall Down.' ...

Travis Releases New Single & Video for 'The Only Thing' Photo Travis Releases New Single & Video for 'The Only Thing'
by Sarah Jae Leiber - August 24, 2020

Following its first play on BBC Radio’s Zoe Ball Breakfast show this morning, Travis have unveiled the Fran Healy-directed video to their stellar new single “The Only Thing” featuring Susanna Hoffs of The Bangles. ...

mxmtoon Announces 'dusk' EP Photo mxmtoon Announces 'dusk' EP
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 30, 2020

Today mxmtoon, also known as Maia, announced the follow up to her dawn EP, dusk will be released October 1st....

Travis Release Fran Healy Directed Video For New Track 'Valentine' Photo Travis Release Fran Healy Directed Video For New Track 'Valentine'
by Kaitlin Milligan - July 15, 2020

Following the release of the animated video for 'A Ghost', frontman Fran Healy has returned to the director's chair with the video for Travis' new track, 'Valentine'. The track is the third from their eagerly anticipated new album, 10 Songs, which will be released on October 9th on BMG. ...

Tim Baker Announces New EP SURVIVORS Photo Tim Baker Announces New EP SURVIVORS
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 20, 2020

 Tim Baker returns to us announcing a new five-track EP, brandishing the multi-purpose title: Survivors...

Fearless At Home Performances & Appearances Announced Photo Fearless At Home Performances & Appearances Announced
by Kaitlin Milligan - May 05, 2020

Fearless Records will be hosting a one-time only, global event featuring the label roster. Fearless At Home will take place Saturday, May 9 at 3pm ET/12pm PT via the label Youtube channel....

Martin Jensen To Play 5-Hour 'Me, Myself, Online' Liveset From Telia Parken Stadium Photo Martin Jensen To Play 5-Hour 'Me, Myself, Online' Liveset From Telia Parken Stadium
by Kaitlin Milligan - April 08, 2020

As one of Denmark's biggest artists with over 1 billion streams and a #45 placing in the DJ Mag Top 100 DJ's Poll, Martin Jensen is constantly pushing the envelope in connecting with his fans through his music and in these unprecedented times, aims to bring people together for an epic five-hour solo...

Nicholson Releases New Song 'Dirty Lil B*stard' Photo Nicholson Releases New Song 'Dirty Lil B*stard'
by Kaitlin Milligan - April 06, 2020

Hard trance stalwart Nicholson returns with 'Dirty Little B*stard', a true dance floor weapon from start to finish....











Videos

Recommended For You