Simon Watson

Till Moss is a three-piece rock band from Chicago that should be an integral part of any true music fan’s listening rotation. Formed in 2004, the band has worked to craft an original sound that serves as a beacon on the vast landscape of independent music.

Upon first listen there is a familiarity to Till Moss’ songs that immediately draws in the listener. The band’s sound has a distinct edge with a floating quality, which allows for elements of pop and emo to filter into songs reminiscent of Grandaddy, Neil Young, and Built to Spill. But a closer examination of these songs reveals that this is not your average indie rock band. Lead vocalist Simon Watson has a distinct voice with an underdog quality that he uses to deliver lyrics ranging from direct honesty to obscure irony, challenging the listener to take an active role in the experience that each song creates. This, coupled with the rich tapestry of melodies formed by his guitar work, establish the signature sound that Till Moss fans find so rewarding. Evan Caliento lays the foundation for the band’s sound with bass lines that complement the melodic components of the songs while also providing a counterpoint to their underlying pop sensibilities. Drummer Jim Griffith brings the picture into focus with unobtrusive beats that subtly mark the passage of time for each song’s story.

With the completion of their five-song demo in the winter of 2005, it was evident that Till Moss has a lot to offer the Chicago independent music scene. Rarely does a band’s first recording effort yield a collection of songs with such focus and promise, though it is in a live setting where this band truly excels. In the twenty shows the band has played over the last twelve months in Chicago’s music circuit, fans have been treated to an exponential growth of the energy first captured on the demo. The set list has expanded steadily to the point where the band has enough songs in its repertoire that you could see them play on two consecutive nights and come away with two entirely different experiences. The response has been universally positive.

Armed with this new collection of songs, Till Moss is now preparing to enter the studio again to record their first full-length album. This time around, the resulting product will expand on the foundation of the five-song demo, with a bit of a harder edge and more complex musical elements. By capitalizing on the momentum gained through their live shows, the band has great reason for optimism as it hopes to become one of the most highly regarded bands in Chicago.