Almost Blue

ALMOST BLUE is a perfect example of what it means for a band to be more than the sum of its parts. Formed in 2005 by longtime friends, this Atlanta-based quartet is offering up a fresh dose of originality amid the current flood of derivative mediocrity. With an array of musical influences ranging from jazz, blues, funk, alt rock, and even hip-hop, you might expect the resulting tracks to present a less than cohesive sound. Contrarily, ALMOST BLUE have honed their influences and experiences into something truly note-worthy and memorable.

Rhythm guitarist and lead vocalist Kyle Seitz, whose love for music was kick-started by his father and uncle, started playing guitar at ten years old. The years of experience are evident in Seitz seemingly effortless delivery and spontaneity of his signature style. Playing in bands through high school, Seitz met bassist Mark Sims and drummer Noel Goff, embarking on the journey that would culminate in the formation of ALMOST BLUE.

There is no doubt that bassist Mark Sims a key ingredient to ALMOST BLUE’s trademark sound. With an ear beyond his years, the myriad subtle intricacies of Sims’ playing will have you hearing new things even after repeated listenings. A 2005 graduate of the Atlanta Institute of Music, Sims’ technical prowess and theory form the fundamental counterpart to his natural creative ability.

Really, only one word is needed to describe drummer Noel Goff's style and precision. Moreover, the maturity of his ear gives Goff the ability to always play what is appropriate; rather than needlessly overplaying, a curse of many drummers. With a varied history of playing jazz standards, alt rock, and producing hip-hop tracks, its Goff's diversity and spot-on technique form the percussive backbone for ALMOST BLUE. Not to be overlooked is Goff's affinity for production and studio engineering. Aside from the initial tracking, all tracks included in this press kit were mixed at Goff's G&G Studios in Atlanta.

Lead guitarist Ryan "Noodles" Steinwedel, started playing piano near the end of high school. However, it was once he started playing guitar at the College of Charleston, where he not only studied music, but also played in his first band, that something profound began to take shape. After college, Steinwedel went to Germany to record with the now disbanded Swift Water Rescue where high school friend Noel Goff had recently stepped in to take over on drums. Upon returning from Germany, Swift Water Rescue parted ways and it wasn't long before Steinwedel, along with Goff, Sims, and Seitz were churning out the smokey charm of ALMOST BLUE.

Since then, ALMOST BLUE have left their mark on such places as East Andrews Upstairs and 10 High in Atlanta, and have even spread into neighboring Clemson and Charleston. Even more impressive is the fact that ALMOST BLUE were the winners of Creative Loafing’s Bandzilla in 2006. The band supported Juvenile Diabetes Foundation at the "Rock the Cure" event at Atlanta's Sweetwater Brewery. This was following their live television performance on Good Day Atlanta on Fox.

There is a sincerity and heart driving ALMOST BLUE that comes across in not only their recorded tracks, but more notably, in their live performance, something lacking in many of the over-produced bands of the digital age. If its the true pleasure of the groove you seek rather than the endless and soul-less pursuit of ‘cool’, look no farther than ALMOST BLUE. You’ll not be disappointed.