Drawing comparisons to artists as diverse as Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Black Crowes, The Loft combines elements of rock, funk, and blues into a sound that's uniquely their own, yet 100% undeniably Rock & Roll. After bringing that eclectic blend of music to venues all over the Southeast, The Loft recently set off on tour to spread their music across the country. The current leg began September 14 and has taken the band through the Midwest and East Coast, with dates stretching into 2007.
Formed as a high school band in 1996, The Loft’s four original members—John Banzhoff (vocals), Phil Banzhoff (bass), Chris White (acoustic and rhythm guitars), and Jon Biggs (drums)—are still intact, with the addition of John Burke (lead guitar) and Nathan Johnson (keyboards) in 2001. Along with being a band for a decade, these childhood friends have known each other for twenty years, giving them the kind of interplay most young bands aren't capable of.
On the eve of the tour, The Loft announced the release of a limited edition EP, The Tombstone Tapes, which is now available both at shows as well as on the band’s website. A collection of seven songs recorded over the course of the last year and a half, the EP is more of a precursor to the band’s next full album than an actual follow-up to their first full release, Soulful Southeast Exhibit. Displaying an increased maturity both in songwriting and musicianship, this EP shows a huge promise of things to come for The Loft.
The band has received rave reviews for their high energy and infectious live shows, and they feel that touring every night will help them gel even more as a unit. They also welcome their fans to record shows throughout the tour, furthering the grassroots approach of sharing music through as many means as possible. With the forthcoming tour, new EP, and increased industry attention, The Loft is clearly a band on the rise.
For more information, please visit www.lovetheloft.com or www.myspace.com/theloft
