Aaron Gillespie is a man obsessed. Whether he’s out in front of The Almost, his new, eagerly anticipated rock-based project, or behind the drum kit for Underoath, the Clearwater, Florida-bred songwriter/musician can’t help but throw himself into everything he does. With Southern Weather, The Almost lets Gillespie put a different, more melodic side of himself on display. Hoping to follow in the footsteps of his idol Dave Grohl, who stepped out from behind his drum kit to capture the rock world’s hearts as one of the genre’s most visible frontmen, Gillespie has begun a metamorphosis. If The Almost brainchild is quick to downplay any similarities to the Foo Fighters in their infancy, his project’s debut affirms he’s clearly worthy. Consider that The Almost is already confirmed for the upcoming 2007 Warped Tour and that Southern Weather marks the first time Tooth & Nail has partnered up with a major label (Virgin Records) for a joint release and there’s little denying that Gillespie is about to take the ride of his life. Southern Weather features the blistering “Call Me Back When I’m Honest” and the quick, evocative “Drive There Now!” Performing nearly every instrument on the disc, workhorse Gillespie aligned with acclaimed, Seattle-based producer Aaron Sprinkle on Southern Weather. And while the two had never met, The Almost brainchild was a big fan of Sprinkle’s work with Pedro the Lion and they hit it off instantly.
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