ASCAP @ America SCORES Tour / Other Voices, Other Rooms:
“With the help of 120 kids from five schools across five states, this Philadelphia rock group has constructed a timeless tribute to youth and story telling.” -AOL Spinner Listening Party 7/18 – 7/25
“…songs profound in the simplicity of their wisdom. ‘What Will Power it All’ plays like an anthem of sorts. It calls out. These are our modern day Songs of Innocence and Experience. William Blake would be proud.” -The Huffington Post
“After the [recording] session, 9-year old Mariah Serrano told her mother that Wednesday had been “the best day ever.” Composing lyrics from the thoughts of children brings a sense of immediacy to the music.” -New York Times
“There’s something beautiful about The Great Unknown. It’s not only because of the stark and bewitching alt-country they weave, or the yearning intones and the seizing rhythms. It’s also because of their collaboration with … the ASCAP Songwriter Residency at America SCORES … the result of that is the brilliant and heartwarming 5-track EP, Other Voices, Other Rooms.” -The Deli, NYC
Billboard Good Works
July 23 issue, on-line link avail soon
The Deli Magazine (Philadephia, PA)
July 19, 2011
Milwaukee Sentinel-Journal
Front page!
Philly Blog, WXPN’s The Key
CD release
Philly Blog, WXPN’s The Key
pre-tour
Live Reviews:
“With very strong vocal harmonies, bouncing bass lines, and crunching guitars, The Great Unknown displayed a clear rock and roll influence…These vocal harmonies really helped The Great Unknown stand out…Playing some songs off their new release, The New Skin EP, the band had a great connection with the audience and frequently joked and talked in between songs. Despite a hot sun, the crowd was still out in full force and fully packed the Marina Lawn. With willing listeners, The Great Unknown got the chance to broadcast their impressive sound, one of classic country undertones and rock and roll energy.” -WXPN About the Music Blog
“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.” -The Philadelphia Inquirer
“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.” -Independent Weekly (Chapel Hill, NC)
About The New Skin EP:
“A nuanced and cohesive offering that melds folk and alt-country, The Great Unknown’s “The New Skin EP” is a disciplined collection of songs that explore hope and longing, and demonstrate why the Philadelphia band has become one of their city’s favorite acts.” -Fogged Clarity (Featured Album)
“Personally, their New Skin EP is lights out and I find myself coming back to those songs daily. You can even name your own price for it. Do it.” -Draw Us Lines
About Tonight, Let’s Pretend:
“Tonight, Let’s Pretend is a work of meticulous beauty…It’s an honest album, with no glitz or glam, but by relying on pure, raw talent, The Great Unknown have written one of my favorite albums of the year.” -The Deli Magazine (Philadelphia)
“”I Can See Forever Up Here” is a romp through Jay Farrar territory, and “Votra Notra Dom” hints at the gritty Delta boogie of Little Feat. But the true strength in West Philly Americana quintet The Great Unknown lies in their moments of restraint. Check out “Shrapnel,” a simmering hymn rooted in a rickety cello duo. Dig the breezy whistling and banjo-led campfire harmonies on the flawless “The Weasel & The Worm,” which closes their self-released debut Tonight, Let’s Pretend.” – John Vettese, Citypaper (Philadelphia)
“The band’s new release Tonight, Let’s Pretend retains the structured songwriting, melancholic melodies and twangy harmonies of folk and country music, but with noticeable singer-songwriter and indie rock elements. Songs are melancholic but lively, rowdy but cohesive, and a bit confessional at times like Conor Oberst without the outright despair. But also very fun. Few bands, after all, would compare their songwriting process to the life cycle of baby sea turtles.” -Philly Weekly