Commentary

Are you suffering from a case of new music burnout? If so, I’d like to introduce you to a Bay Area band that will cure your apathy.

Rewind back to 2006: Working in the recording scene for a notorious record producer was an incredible experience for me. Despite the madness, I was blessed with the steady opportunity to hear new music and countless unknown artists. It was an ideal situation for me as a music enthusiast. I’m always on the quest to find that undiscovered band that can hopefully renew my faith in the current music scene. During my time in the industry, there were a few bands that came close to restoring my confidence…but not quite. That was until those three amazing boys from the Bay Area walked through the door. The band, originally called “The District SF,” instantly caught my attention, and the curiosity heightened with each day.

Although the name left much to be desired, as many up and coming band names often do, their sound was exceptionally unique. The melodies and brilliant bass grooves sounded like nothing else permeating the airwaves. The smooth vocals and impressive range of front man, Liam McCormick, instantly hooked me. And, I liked being sucked into witness the magic that was being created that summer.

The band (now called Silver Griffin and The Family Crest, which isn’t much better than the original name) began to renew my faith with their eclectic combination of funk, blues, indie, pop and jazz. The harmonies are captivating and the lyrics are impressive and catchy. If that isn’t enough, the brass instruments used throughout the new LP, “Here InThe Night,” just polish off the entire album and truly add an unmistakable spark to the tracks.

The band consists of three gifted musicians, Liam McCormick (Vocals, Guitars, Composition), Greg Black (Bass and Vocals) and Seabrien Arata (Drums). Together, the three boys’ musical contributions work well together like a perfectly oiled machine. Not one element of the instrumentation overpowers the other. It’s a combination that leaves the listener wanting more. The album flows effortlessly and fits any mood. Perhaps, that’s why even after two years of listening, I can still repeat the CD throughout the day and absorb myself in the melodies.

Hollywood must be enjoying the sound of Silver Griffin too. This year, the band was featured in two motion pictures. Their songs, “Baby” and “Bottle” were placed in “The Hottie and the Nottie,” starring Paris Hilton. And, the track “Longer” can be heard in “The Year of Getting to Know Us” starring Jimmy Fallon and Lucy Liu.

I still can’t compare Silver Griffin to any other bands because of the uniqueness of the group. But, if you want to fulfill your new music appetite, check them out: www.myspace.com/silvergriffinmusic and let me know what you think!

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