Who? L.A.-based Under the Influence of Giants were born out of two other bands with major-label record deals. Singer Aaron Bruno and guitarist Drew Stewart, both formerly of Home Town Hero, began writing songs together in high school. When Audiovent’s former drummer/keyboardist, Jamin Wilcox, teamed up with them, the trio recruited bassist David Amezcua to round out their new band.
What’s the Deal? The songs off this quartet’s debut full-length have been chalking up comparisons to those of Scissor Sisters ever since glammed-up lead single “Mama’s Room” started swirling through discos earlier this summer. But Under the Influence of Giants owe their soulful and oft-salacious pop sound to other, well, giants, too. Bruno’s falsetto comes courtesy of the Bee Gees’ Barry Gibb and the electro-funk of “In the Clouds” shimmies through 1999-era Prince.
Fun Fact: Brad Smith and Christopher Thorne, both former guitarists for Blind Melon, produced the album. And speaking of one-time giant bands, Wilcox’s father is John “Willie” Wilcox of Hall & Oates and Utopia fame. JULIA SIMON
Now Hear This: Under the Influence of Giants – “Mama’s Room” WINDOWS MEDIA HIGH | LOW
Talk: What giants do you think Under the Influence of Giants are really influenced by? COMMENT
On the Web: utiog.com
