San Diego’s rising indie folk band, The Peripherals, released their debut full-length album on July 23, their first release with independent label Aural Gravy Records. The band’s earlier EP, “As Themselves,” showcasing the talents of founding members Omar Musisko and Drew Thams, was a sweet slice of musical cake, but Declarations is fuller, edgier and more sophisticated. It features a new third band member, Dylan Jones on drums, whose contributions complement well the stylings of the band’s songwriters. With catchy, upbeat numbers like “Baltimore” and “The Sweet Unknown,” and live audience favorites like “Living Tonight” and “If So,” each track on the album adds an additional layer of creativity and beauty that will keep the listener fully engaged throughout.
The Peripherals are recognized for their eclectic use of instruments, their sweet vocal harmonies, and their natural folk storytelling. Declarations reflects this and much more. The use of six different guitars, four bass guitars, countless percussion instruments, harps, mandolins and three-part harmonies gives each song a rich, pleasing sound. Although each track is unique, they all come together to reflect the inspiration found in the band members’ daily lives.
About The Peripherals
Based in San Diego, California, The Peripherals formed in 2010 as a contemporary indie folk band. Founding members Omar Musisko and Andrew Thams have a wide range of musical experience having been former members of indie rock bands ‘Second Tuesdays’ and “The Otis Turbine’ and contributors to San Diego Songwriters Meet-ups. Early in 2012, Dylan Jones joined the duo as they began to gain local prestige and performed more frequently. One of the many features that makes the band unique is their eclectic use of sounds and wide array of instruments. Thams performs tenor and soprano vocals, guitar, bass, harmonica and violin frequently switching instruments between and during songs. Musisko sings lower to mid-range vocals; plays guitar, mandolin, bass, piano and harmonica. The percussion expert, Jones sings tenor while utilizing a full drum kit, cajons, shakers and other various percussive hand instruments. This large production, that could easily have been a five member band, comes together creating sweet vocal harmonies, eclectic instrumental arrangements and a folk sound leaving the audience reminiscing simpler times. Together they have embraced the San Diego style and scene; whether they influenced it or were influenced themselves they embrace the hipster culture with epic mustaches, porkpie, newsboy, flat and field caps, vests with ties or bandanas and a touch of nostalgia for the late 30s/early 40s. Don’t let their look fool you, their music is modern, catchy with soulful storytelling lyrics as they play their wide assortment instruments to perfection.
enjoY!