Often times when a band forms, its the common musical backgrounds members share that renders them predictably unoriginal. Such is not the case with Los Angeles based rock band Something Of A Silhouette. Outfitted with a singer (Sara Saffery) who grew up chanting and singing traditional Hawaiian music, and backed by a songwriter/drummer (Tom Gomes) raised on heavy metal, Something Of A Silhouette uses their contrasting backgrounds to create music that is dark and haunting, yet soft and beautiful - a unique style that is anything but obvious.
Vocalist Sara Saffery was born and raised in Hawaii and developed her unique voice during her 12 years of studying hula. Songwriter and drummer Tom Gomes began playing drums in his teens, and for over 10 years was apart of the Massachusetts heavy metal scene. He played locally with acts such as Slab, Catchthirteen, and Aftershock. In 2001 he joined the now Grammy nominated metal band Killswitch Engage, with whom he toured the world for 2 years.
The two crossed paths during the 2003 Ozzfest, when Sara was working for a traveling art gallery in association with the band Korn, and Tom was playing with Killswitch Engage. When the tour ended, the two settled in Los Angeles, and shortly thereafter began writing music together as an experiment. It was then that they realized they had stumbled upon something very special, and Something of a Silhouette was born.
While Sara's main role is vocalist/lyricist, she is also the bands graphic designer. Tom plays the drums live, but in the studio he takes on the challenge of not only playing all the instruments, but also serves as engineer and producer. No matter the task, they have always been able to stay self-sufficient.
In 2005, they released their self-recorded/produced EP entitled Chapter One. Though on more of the acoustic indie side, it captures the essence of SOAS - dark, haunting, and indefinable. A solid foundation for the band, the 5 song EP would serve as a stepping stone on the new path they have taken to songs a little harder and more raw.
In August of 2006 the duo finished their second EP. Compared to their mostly acoustic first
CD, their newly developed sound is more in the vein of rock acts like Muse, Dredg, and
A Perfect Circle. The subtle use of poly-meters, odd time signatures and syncopated guitar and vocal melodies within a pop format gives their new music a very distinctive and unique sound. Paralleling the dark and moody vibe of the music, Sara's lyrics are immensely evocative and poignant, as she explores living with loss and the struggle to find salvation within oneself in order to move on.
Something of a Silhouette has grown tremendously within the past year, seamlessly making the transition from acoustic to rock. One thing that has remained the same is their dedication and commitment to creating original and genuine music that is not only meant to be listened to, but truly to be felt as well.
