Artist description Drifter's Escape is the latest underdog and rising force on the Philadelphia music scene. You may have seen them at various clubs in the greater Philadelphia area such as Manayunk's Grape Street Pub and South Street's Pontiac Grille or heard them on the radio during WZZO - 95.1 FM's Backyard Bands. Rockpile magazine describes them as a band with "a strong grasp on an easily identifiable folk/punk sound. The band has potential, and could really make waves." The group however feels their music constantly evolves above and beyond this one genre. After releasing their debut CD, "Twenty Minutes" in mid '99, and holding the #1 Alternative song on GarageBand.com for over three weeks, Drifter's Escape was just starting to go places. Then in mid 2000, Tom Kerns (singer/songwriter/guitarist/co-founder) and Bob Brobst (bassist) had to stare reality in the face when two of their band-mates, the drummer and the second guitarist/co-founder, suddenly decided to part from the group. Choosing to move forward, and after months of auditioning various musicians, Kerns and Brobst hooked up with drummer Dan Gaffney and guitarist Claude Jem in the same weekend. Suddenly, the band had a new sound. Kerns on the new line up, "After the original drummer and guitar player left the band Bob and I knew the sound would change when we got new members. I was going to concentrate on rhythm guitar, vocals and songwriting. So, we needed a strong lead guitar player and a drummer who wasn't afraid to play rock n' roll. We needed a couple of guys who could keep a strong groove, yet still understand what each song needs. We got that when Claude and Dan joined the band." Jem, previously fronting his own "Jem tones" trio, was happy to step down and 'just play guitar'. His increasingly fiery leads, along with the driving rhythms of Gaffney and Brobst, have become a perfect complement to Kerns' hooky tunes and captivating vocals. Gaffney and Jem also write songs that will be worked into the band's repertoire in the near future. Having played in the clubs for over two years with the new lineup, Drifter's Escape continues to rock Philly and its suburbs with their unique styling. "We were looking to reinvent the band," says Brobst. "We wanted to come up with a sound that utilizes all of our influences like rock, folk, blues and punk. I truly believe we have accomplished this with the new guys." The group certainly has brought it together into an overall straight-ahead driving modern sound. The music is easily likable, and it appeals to people of all ages. "It really is a good feeling when a complete stranger gives us a sincere compliment after a solid set," adds Brobst. As the group continues to play more shows, they constantly improve as performers and work hard to develop new material. Aiming to increase their profile and gain greater exposure and recognition, the band continues to play area gigs and plan to record a new full-length CD in the near future.

Music Style Guitar Rock / Alternative Rock / Americana Rock

Musical Influences Rolling Stones, Neil Young, REM, Nirvana, Foo Fighters, STP, Clash, Kiss, etc...

Similar Artists Foo Fighters, REM, STP, Everclear

Artist History Drifter's Escape founded in 1995 has met with success through radio play, having the #1 Alternative song on GarageBand.com for over three weeks and playing live in the Philadelphia area. After two of the original members left the band in March of 2000, Drifter's Escape has regrouped with new members and is on the fast track to returning to the Southeast Pennsylvania region.

Group Members Tom Kerns, Bob Brobst, Claude Jem, Dan Gaffney

Instruments Two Guitars, Bass and Drums

Albums Twenty Minutes

Press Reviews Rockpile Magazine, Sept. 1997

Additional Info Contact us to purchase CDs. only $5.00

Location Philadelphia, PA - USA

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