With or without microphones, the whole band is singing. Songs about skyscrapers, ending droughts, literary characters, and everyday struggle separate this band from others who link themselves to only a few standard topics. The Great Unknown approaches its themes like a traditional American band nodding to Guthrie, Dylan and The Band but still developing a sound that is modern.
Playing quietly so as not to wake the elderly neighbors, The Great Unknown began in a grandfather's apartment. Surrounded by family pictures and antique furniture, singer Todd Henkin and Gutiarist Matt Goldsborough worked through the winter at fostering a creative partnership. The idea was to create tightly crafted songs that had stories and images and melodies to which people could relate. Often described by others in early concerts as "genuine, and honest music," the two knew they had something worth working on.
After many tryouts and practices the two found others to join them in West Philadelphia in their efforts to create a full band. What they found was beyond just a group of musicians but a group of people united in creating something real. Landing gigs around the city, the group soon found that others would react to this "genuine" band and its unique and infectious joy of performing. There is something raw and believable in The Great Unknown that has drawn in fans from all ages and will continue to do so as it picks up its inevitable momentum.
Independent Weekly (NC): "Philadelphia's The Great Unknown coaxes gentle, nuanced alt-country from the convergence of five voices, riding atop a plethora of stringed instruments that gracefully dance in and out between an amiable backroads shuffle. When it cuts loose, the quintet rocks convincingly, adding soundtracks of rowdy to postcards of roadside attractions." (Spencer Griffith, August 2009)
Twenty Pounds of Headlines: "The Great Unknown have the time of their lives, as though every number was the closing of a concert given to celebrate the end of the world." (Nick Diulio, February 2009)
The Philadelphia Inquirer: "These truck-stop cowboys from West Philly bring more snap and vehemence to their songs than this genre (think Wilco, for purposes of orientation) usually offers." (David Hiltbrand, 5/17/08)
Origivation Magazine: "This is a band that you really can't afford not to hear." (June 2008)
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hey guys. how are ya doin?! hope everyone is well! i was just thinking today about how i saw you guys play at Studio 34(which was AWESOME, i had such a blast! :D) and i was wondering if you knew who the guy was who was spinnin that night inbetween the bands...if ya dont kno who im talkin about no biggie. anyway, hope to see ya'll play again soon! till then take care. -Becky
Also, how can I get a copy of one of your CDs?? You actually know Helene and she is coming out to San Diego to visit on Friday. Anyway we can make it happen???
What a great night on Saturday. You guys were on PERFECT!! Your harmonies, your music, your whistling, your smiles. You had the whole house singing and stompin and smiling. What a special evening. I was listening....I was listening.........and I liked it a lot!! Thank you!!
I saw you guys at the Camelot house in Harrisonburg, VA this past weekend and it was fantastic. I loved every minute of it. The only complaint I have about your band is the name, which I think sounds pretty cliche. Just my opinion. Keep on being awesome.
oh. boys! safe and the most fun of travels to you -most beautiful fellows! i cant wait til the leaves and the unknown can go on tour again together. love all of you to a gadgillion of pieces!
So swell to see you guys perform at the Philly Folk Parade, you certainly rocked our roots! We hope to see you in our Square of the woods very soon... Kennett, that is. Much cheer, KSQ Farmers' Market www.ksqfarmersmarket.wordpress.com
good fun last night. thanks for letting me play with you all. im jealous of your sept. 5th gig. thats gonna be super sweet. im out there a few weeks later. gonna jsut miss you. poop
The Handmade Philly Team presents "Art Beat, Making it to Music"
When: August 15, 2009 6pm - 11pm Where: Studio 34, 4522 Baltimore, Philadelphia, PA
Save the date!
Handmade Philly is hosting an event!
Join us for a night of live music and making. Bring your art / craft projects, sketchbook, yarn, etc. Music will be provided by local musicians including open mic. Activities will
include free workshops and a supply swap.
August 15th at Studio 34 from 6 to 11pm. $5 admission. This event is open to the public, all ages.
