The Heavy Pets are renowned for explosive live performances and catchy original tunes that showcase their unique rock-funk-fusion. In 2007, the acclaimed double-disc debut album, Whale, launched THP to the most played independent act on Sirius' Jam_On. Their contagious vibe makes The Heavy Pets major festival favorites at Bonnaroo, moe.down, Langerado, NO's Jazzfest and PetZoo, created in their namesake. Called "a living, breathing, force of nature" by Dan Sweeny of Relix magazine, The Heavy Pets compel audiences to move and groove along a musical journey crammed with hot electric licks, multi-climactic instrumental solos and fantastical lyrics revealing inspired philosophical leanings.
With five skilled musicians who are also lyricists and songwriters, The Heavy Pets have amassed a deep catalog of original music, much of which is captured on several live and studio recorded CD's including, Live from the Outer Banks, Live from the 9:30 Club, Heavy Air, and the latest release, Slow Motion Conductor. Their reputation for never playing the same show twice makes The Heavy Pets a powerhouse in the touring scene, where they have also shared the stage with several notable artists such as Matisyahu, Umphrey's McGee, Little Feat and Perpetual Groove.
A commanding blend of rock and roll, rhythm and blues, jazz-funk and reggae fusion, THP's contagious vibe defies stereotyping. They were first embraced in the jam scene for their raw talent and tenacious commitment to making great music. But like their cross-over sound, The Heavy Pets themselves have transcended boundaries, crossing a bridge few bands survive intact - into the still-respected periphery of mainstream music through upbeat, danceable, homegrown, skillfully executed tunes and passionate live shows that keep crowds lining up for more.
The Heavy Pets are:
Jeff Lloyd: Lead Guitar, Vocals
Mike Garulli: Lead Guitar, Vocals
Jim Wuest: Keyboard, Vocals
Jamie Newitt: Drums
Justin Carney: Bass, Vocal
PRESS:
"My favorite band to hit the scene."- Jonathan Schwartz, Sirius Radio Jam_On;
"The debut album's wide breath and depth of influences display an impressive command for a band this young."- JamBase.com on The Heavy Pets' Whale;
"The Pets just might be a perfect jamband."- Dennis Cook, Jambase.com;
"Full blown musical salvation…funky, loose-limbed rock 'n' soul bound by tight vocal harmonies and ace guitar interplay."- Jonathan Zwickle, Music Editor, Broward-Palm Beach New Times;
"The greatest jamband to come out of Florida since, well, ever...They are an arena ready band without the arena. At its best the band is a living, breathing, force of nature - a whale."- Dan Sweeney, Relix Magazine;
"Nice big balls to release a 2-CD, 20 track behemoth as their debut…their future is bright"- Dennis Cook, Jambase.com;
"The Heavy Pets combine elegant songwriting with blazing chops, thought-provoking lyrics and a heavy, danceable backbeat."- High Times.com;
"Some sort of funk-reggae rock hybrid that's laid back and sexy. I like."- Leslie Gray Streeter, Palm Beach Post;
"The Heavy Pets brought the dance party grooves for an amazing night of music that only left smiling faces asking when and where the next shows were."- Jambase.com;
"The Pets delivered a positively blistering 75-minute set that displayed the growth, chops and integrity that pulsates through this band."- Jambase.com;
"This band seems to win over everybody who sees them…The Heavy Pets will be the next great rock/jam band. They're so damn good, I had to throw a festival for them!"- Erik Steinpick, music promoter and founder of PetZoo!
