the band: Justin Greiman Kayle Greiman click on a pic:
Three electric personalities. Two turbo-charged brothers. One drummer's vigorous kick-and-rim attacks. Drive and energy have a new face: Philmore, a double-edged band with the talent, ability, and determination that's packing concert houses nationwide.
The band sparked to life in 1996 when the Greiman brothers harnessed the dynamic energy of latenight sessions with their best friend, resulting in a jaw-dropping live show that had fans screaming for more. Just as invigorating as their high-energy soundbase, Philmore's lyrical maturity lends a unique depth to their songs, resulting in a bigger sound than expected.
Not that Philmore's speakers go to eleven. A grueling, 200 show-a-year schedule has beaten the tenets of discipline into their music. But the discipline extends further than just heavy practice. They've learned to take fan cultivation seriously, and it's paying off with more and more listeners.
"We've watched bands come out of nowhere and leave even quicker…we've recognized the significance of steady growth in this business and the importance of developing loyal fans," says bassist Kayle Greiman. "Our fans have loved what we've done in the past and we're grateful. My favorite bands are the ones that grew musically as I grew up listening to them. Our music continues to change and progress, and for the sake of creativity, we want to keep it that way. And our fans understand that."
Innovative and hard-hitting, Philmore's music is anything but canned. In their raw and unrestrained live shows, Philmore fans see the melodic-punk tunes as much more than just performance. It's who they are and what they are. More insightful than Philmore's identity are their individual personalities.
Justin Greiman is the lead singer, songwriter, and lyricist of Philmore. His earthy yet forceful melodies and his acrobatic guitar leads form much of what constitutes Philmore's recognizable sound.
In his brother, Kayle, fans find an innovative bass player and vocalist who knows how to mold the melodic harmonies as well as turn intricate hooks.
Brett Schoneman, the drummer and backbone of the group, is an unbridled mix of a percussive energy and performance momentum that carries the band, both on stage and in the studio.
Individually, they're original artists with their own tastes and perspectives, ranging from MXPX to Culture Club. Together, however, they're lifelong pals who've shared everything from classrooms to football trophies.
As friends they've been musically involved since childhood, but as Philmore, they burst on the scene with a self-titled release recorded in 1999 at The Fabulous Green Room in Huntington Beach. With production help from Scott Siletta (Plankeye, Fanmail), Chuck Cummings (Dakota Motor Company, Aunt Betty's, owner of 4 Door Entertainment), and the late Gene Eugene, the album caught the attention of 5 Minute Walk Records which released the recording with EMI distribution.
Immediately the band began touring for capacity crowds with label-mates Five Iron Frenzy and The W's. The tour gave Philmore thirty minutes a night to prove what they had, and they left the fans hungry for more. Philmore's name raced through fanmail and radio stations all over the country. Following the surge with a massive launch at touring, the road-loving band again posted more than 200 shows a year nationwide, this time with international stops.
Now a new EP reveals a more evolved group. The Bare Truth About Philmore is an evocative project with even gutsier musical and lyrical daring. After three years of roadtime and recording, the band has established a fertile rhythm of creativity and expression. Listeners are already turned on to Philmore, and Philmore's future plans promise to keep turning their heads.
Mike Mason
