Comets smashing into our planet may have given birth to the dinosaur era; the creation of Evan Bliss and the Welchers was not so dramatic but nonetheless spectacular.
Evan Bliss provided the silky (when he wanted them to be) and tumultous (when he wanted them to be) vocals and guitar for the DC rock and reggae group The Low Life. When his band co-headlined at the 9:30 club with DC rock quartet Kenin, Bliss collided with Kenin's jammin drummer Devin McGaughey. Supercontinent Pangea didn't last; neither did the Low Life or Kenin. In late 2005, Bliss and McGaughey started their own project.
McGaughey brought in Jason Mattis on the bass from the Rosemont Family Reunion, a DC folk rock group. (He has the wingspan of a pterodactyl but fortunately not the wings because you can't rock the bass like he does with wings).
Mattis brought in Eric Abalahin (flute, clarinet, piccolo; pretty much he can master anything that requires wind-power. Being green is so hot right now). He also plays keys and came from DC Irish rock group Potato Famine, now O'Tasty.
While most of their individual bands had come to an end, on the other side of mass-extinction events, new-life forms survive and thrive. And so it was. New creative material started spewing like an active volcano and soon the four made their debut at a showcase for Haystack.com and Look at Life Records at the Knitting Factory in NY…
The group recorded its self-titled debut album with Frank Marchand, former engineer of The All Mighty Senators and Bob Mould (Husker Du). It was released June 30, 2007 at the Recher Theater in Towson, MD under the independent Holster Records label. In September of 2007, McGaughey migrated westward to the wilds of California, and drummer Shareef Taher (from the highly evolved species conservatorius graduaticus) came in to take his place.
Like baby dinosaurs, their songs can make you want to cuddle. But just when you get comfortable, you remember they're some rockin' carnivores who are capable of tearing you apart...while still leaving you wanting more.
You can get the Welchers' new album and Evan's other albums through Holster Records or on iTunes.
To learn more about Evan Bliss & the Welchers and to join our mailing list, visit www.thewelchers.com.
"If Brandon Boyd of Incubus and Jack Johnson had a love-child, it would be Evan Bliss & The Welchers. The group’s sound blends powerful vocals and skilled instrumental music in what is a very respectable compilation. Mixing reggae, punk, rock and soul, the group has created a unique sound. “Kings” in particular proves Bliss and Co. aren’t another mediocre local band, but rather a fresh sound here to stay. In a nutshell, it is good music. Go check it out. "
-NF - On Tap Magazine, August '07
My friend and I are in love with your band! Your all we listen to. Alot of people we know have never heard of you guys, but we are slowly changing that, everyone we tell about you guys loves you! Cant wait for the show friday!
Wish i could make it Down there but my car is on E. Check out this bar Dante's in Frostburg. They have a lot of bands come through. Check out some of my music. Por soy en soy, or something like that. PEACE.
#1... i'd like to third the suggestion about playing the chameleon in lancaster pa. But second, and most importantly.... what happened to the low life and welchers albums on itunes? they've disappeared just as i had the money to start buying them!!
Whats up Evan---haven't seen you guys since last year at the galaxy hut. Looks like we'll be teaming up for a show, so be sure to wear your drinking helmet. See you on sunday! -Nick PS--please play Fiona it will make my day. I'm old school. haha.
Hey fellas- New Record "Mitchell Williams fo Govena "featuring Erik Lawrence of the Levon Helm Band out today- Record Release Sat at the Black Cat 9pm sharp! We open for Jukebox the Ghost- come on out gentlemens! cheers! Junior League Band on eMusic, Amazon, iTunes,
