Jen's Page
Thicker Than Water
Printed in April 2002 Scene Monthly Magazine & Appearing at PA Rocks
Although I haven't seen Thicker Than Water live yet, just by listening to their CD, you could tell they are one hard rocking band. In the summer of 1996, Jeff Brasfield, Jeff Mortimer, Tommy Sims, and Steve Sielinski got together and formed Thicker Than Water, out of Arlington, Virginia. While Brasfield and Mortimer has been former members of a band named Kage, Sims was a close friend. When Kage broke up about seven years ago, these three wanted to start another band. All they needed was someone who could play bass and sing. After having an audition, they found no one who matched what they wanted to complete the band. They then got in contact with Sielinski, whose band Estranged had just broken up, and he wanted to join Thicker Than Water. The ony thing was he could sing, but couldn't play bass. Steve said that he would try though, and he then became the fourth member of the band.
Original songs is what Thicker Than Water is all about. They really didn't want to be just another cover band. Wanting this, they know they wouldn't be making any big bucks. But, they wanted their own music to be heard, so this is what they intended to do. When they did in fact play some covers, they made sure to still make those covers sound like their own original sound- agressive and hard rocking music. Their guitar riffs are nothing but creative and catchy. They really know how to create an up-beat energy filled 80's, yet current hard rock sound.
Singer Jeff Brasfield has been named "Best Male Singer" by the Washington Area Music Association. His vocals define the sound of Thicker Than Water. Drummer Jeff Mortimer "defines Tommy Lee as THE Rock 'n' Roll drummer." His style is also a big part in the band's original sound. Tommy Sims' guitar technique is a strong sound also in TTW, as well as Steve Sielinski's "killer vocals" and "thundering bass."
Thicker Than Water's motivating 80's influenced tunes are a big hit in Virginia and throughout the D.C. metro area. They've also been throughout Pennsylvania and were loved. They're debut in this area was in Selinsgrove for a benefit show, and then came back again and again to oher area venues. They're targeted fans are young adults between the ages of 18 and 30. But, as any other band, has huge fans below and above those ages.
In July 2001, Thicker Than Water was signed by Strictly Heavy Management. SHM goes witht he band to all performances, helping them in their projecting career and deciding which songs will be the big hits of the future. Owner Theresa Alado is one of the best they can have on their side, helping them towards becoming exposed nationally. Being that in my opinion, the rock sound is coming back, there is no doubt in my mind that this band can make i. I think that they have the ability to better themselves throughout the future, and become one hell of a rock band.
All I can say is the minute I have the chance to see these guys live, I am going. The originals I've heard of theirs have been soem of the best local hard rock sounds. If you have a love for local music, you should definitely make it a must to see Thicker Than Water live- I know I will, because I am already hooked on just the CD!
Band's Official Website: www.ttwmusic.com
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