The Sobriquets

Philadelphia's latest contribution to the world at large, and its least tattooed band, the Sobriquets are multi-instrumentalists Dan Drago and James Hearne, bassist Joshua Neale, and drummer Nick Hughes.

The product of a twelve year collaboration, upstate New York natives Hearne and Drago combine hook-laden songwriting with lush, tight harmonies and waves of sonic intricacies. Their debut, self-titled album's subtle bedroom production belies smart arrangements, incorporating synthesizers and acoustic instruments alike. An electronic undercurrent drives heartfelt lyrics and rootsy guitars, bringing Hearne and Drago's loves of rock, pop, r&b, hip-hop, and country into sharp focus.

Live, the Sobriquets perform a fiery, high energy tightrope act, blending their signature vocal harmonies over a bed of acoustic guitars, on-the-fly percussive loops, synthesizers, and whatever else happens to find its way into their hands. Neale and Hughes provide a sinuous and flexible foundation for Hearne's whisper-to-howl vocals and Drago's textural, hypnotic lead guitar. Sharp dynamics, hummable hooks, and occasional bursts of pure noise lace through a captivating, intense experience that is not easily forgotten.

Always fearless, the Sobriquets have launched a "Download of the Month" from their website, releasing a new demo, alternate arrangement, or live recording every month.

The Sobriquets are promoting the release of their self-titled debut album, available now at iTunes, Amazon, CDBaby, and from the band directly, as well as preparing material for a follow-up, expected later in 2009. They have rocked audiences in Philadelphia, Baltimore, New York, and all points in between, including appearances at the Black Potatoe [sic] Festival and the Sidewalk Cafe's Fortified Summer Antifolk Festival, and are in the process of booking shows up and down the East Coast for early 2009.