The Almost Biography

Aaron Gillespie has emerged from behind his drum kit as the front man of The Almost, his anxiously-awaited new solo project. The Clearwater, Florida native and former drummer for Underoath is already acquiring comparisons to his idol Dave Grohl of The Foo Fighters. While Gillespie is quick to dispel similarities with fellow drummer-turned front man Grohl, The Almost's debut album, 2007's Southern Weather has been a break-away success.In a departure from Underoath's Christian metalcore, the songs on Southern Weather are decidedly more melodic. Gillespie wrote tracks for Southern Weather while simultaneously recording Underoath's 2006 critically acclaimed album Define the Great Line. Gillespie relocated to Salt Lake City after his marriage in early 2007 and completed recording his new solo project around the same time. Gillespie's goal with The Almost was to explore his emo side, and with Southern Weather's first single "Say This Sooner (No One Will Ever See Things The Way I Do)" he accomplished just that. Inspired by Luther Perkins, Johnny Cash's original music partner, "Say This Sooner" features rhythm guitar that showcases Gillespie's new sound. Although traces of Underoath undoubtedly appear on Southern Weather, collaborations with the likes of Jeremy Enigk of the Fire Theft and Sunny Day Real Estate keep Gillespie's solo effort from becoming redundant. Considered one of the original emo bands, Sunny Day Real Estate's Enigk and Gillespie create a song that's a little bit country and a little bit emo with "Dirty and Left Out."Southern Weather was released by Tooth & Nail in a first-time partnership with Virgin Records on a joint release of the album. The album featured Gillespie as a one-man band playing all instruments himself. For touring purposes, however, Gillespie formed a full band composed of himself on vocals, Jay Vilardi (guitar), Alex Aponte (bass) and Kenny Bozich (drums). Also confirming The Almost's initial success, the band was confirmed for 2007's Warped Tour.