GREAT BLOOMERS
WORDS BY BRADEN LOADER
PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHAD JONES
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In the wake of everything indie, rarely does a band mark itself with distinctive independence. Great Bloomers have raised a fist to the boundaries of folk rock – emphasizing a sound that yields to something more. From their humble EP in 2007 to the release of a much-anticipated full-length album later this year, Great Bloomers seem to be sprouting in the same fashion.
Most recently seen cruising the Canadian countryside on tour with Library Voices and Yukon Blonde, lead vocalist and guitarist Lowell Sostomi admitted his modest appreciation for their opportunities. “It’s nice because we’re playing for people who don’t know us… who are here for other bands. The whole thing is about exposure for us and, for starters, we love the other two bands.”
Even with an almost-complete band switch-over in 2010 (Sostomi is the only remaining original member), Great Bloomers have come together to redefine the group with a collective focus and ideal. “It was a process of finding people who wanted to do this seriously,” said Sostomi. “Basically, through music, we all found each other.”
Coming from diverse backgrounds and varied genres, Tim Moxam (lead guitar, backup vocals) recalled his decision to lay waste to past endeavors and pursue the sound of Great Bloomers. “It was time to throw in the Epiphone and jazz guitar and fucking step it up a little bit – at least from a professional standpoint. In my perspective, it was a huge education. Stepping up to the plate and being part of something bigger.”
And bigger they are. Signing with Dine Alone Records (Alexisonfire, The Lumineers, Marilyn Manson) in 2012, the band now stands on a precipice of opportunity. “It was a no brainer,” stated Sostomi. “Dine Alone is making serious moves and is such a hardworking label. It actually feels the way I think labels might have felt when it made sense that [bands] were all together and felt like a family.”
Taking inspiration from label-mates and individual muses alike, Great Bloomers are proud of their diverse tastes and use them to their advantage. “I think the broader the spectrum of our musical influences, the less limitations. I think that really helps shape a lot of our songs.” said Moxam. And with crowds salivating at the release of their newest and uncharacteristically heavy single, Something More, it looks like their combined force has pulled the plug on traditional folk rock. Pairing commanding guitar riffs with directive lyrics, the band mates have found themselves in a place unexplored by their indie brethren.
With plans for an August 2012 release, Great Bloomers’ Distant Fires promises two things: a stronger tone and a cohesive vision. “It’s a lot heavier and darker… heavier across all fronts,” commented Sostomi. “It’s a bit of a rollercoaster ride of highs and lows and that sort of thing, and we feel that all of our favorite albums are that way.”
Optimistic for the road ahead, Great Bloomers have set their sights on things bigger and better. Already booking tour destinations for late 2012, their current trajectory reflects the band’s unwavering commitment to their music. With Distant Fires on the horizon, one can’t help but look forward to whichever road they take.
More – www.greatbloomers.com
Enjoy more of this on thelabmagazine.com, coming summer 2012!
