Draft:Frown (Band)

Frown is a Scottish rock band formed in 2022 in Paisley, Renfrewshire. The band consists of Thomas Young (Lead vocalist and Rhythm Guitarist), Lewis Gibali (Vocalist and Lead Guitarist), Dylan lock (Drummer) and Lucas Murray (Vocalist and Bass Player).

History

Frown is a Scottish band that originated in October 2022, initially conceived as a grunge band by founding members Thomas Young and Murray McGeogh. They knew each other as they were long time family friends, however they had lost touch for many years until they found each other at a Comic Con convention, where Young and McGeogh, inspired by their shared musical interests, decided to embark on a creative venture together, called 'Frown'. Later that year, Thomas expanded the band's roster by recruiting guitarist Logan Marshall, Thomas and Logan met through the performance arts group PACE, they had be friends for a while before Logan joined the band and had a strong connection.

During the early stages of the band's development, spanning from November to December 2023, Frown operated without a dedicated bassist, with Thomas Young assuming dual roles as the lead vocalist and pianist, alongside Murray McGeogh on drums and Logan Marshall on guitar. It was during this formative period that Murray McGeogh introduced Thomas Young to Erskine Arts, a youth-focused cultural charity, where they encountered sessional bassist Aidan McGuinness, whose temporary involvement marked a significant milestone in Frown's evolution. At erskine arts they would book sessions to jam as a band, this is where they would begin to build a chemistry within the band, however it wasn't very strong.

In January 2023, Frown underwent a transformative phase with the addition of guitarist Nathan Adams to the lineup.Young and Adams also were long time friends from PACE. It was around this time that Thomas Young began to learn the guitar. Concurrently, Thomas Young rekindled his friendship with Lewis Gibali. Young and Gibali met in School in 2019 ,In a social subjects class, Young was moved for talking to much, he was moved next to Lewis, from then on they had become very close friends and had decided to start a band, however they had no idea what they were doing, they wrote a song called 'Golden Girl' both band members say they can't remember anything about the song. After the pandemic they had fallen out however in 2023 they had become friends again and all was forgotten. they fostered a collaborative bond that would later influence Frown's musical direction. In January 2023, before Aidan McGuinness officially joined the band, Murray McGeogh invited bass player Leeland (surname unknown) to join Frown without consulting the rest of the band. However, Leeland's tenure with the band was short-lived, as the decision to add him to the lineup was not made collectively. This period of uncertainty regarding the bassist position culminated in the eventual recruitment of Aidan McGuinness, who became the band's permanent bassist, solidifying the lineup. Around this time as Thomas had become better at the Guitar, his father Johnny Young, had written some songs he wanted to give to the Band, this influenced the bands music heavily.

In April 2023, Nathan Adams departed the band on amicable terms, leading to the recruitment of Lewis Gibali as his successor. Throughout the summer of 2023, Frown endeavoured to hone their craft through dedicated rehearsals, most of which were Lewis and Thomas playing acoustic guitar in the woods, however often convening at Brick Lane Studios in Paisley with drummer Murray McGeogh. However, as the band's musical aspirations evolved, a divergence in commitment levels prompted Thomas Young, Lewis Gibali, and Murray McGeogh to reassess their roles within Frown, They decided to have a conversation with Aidan and Logan, about their commitment to the band, they decided to leave the band.

Subsequently, Frown navigated through a transitional period, enlisting a rotating roster of session bassists, including Thomas Harkins, Lucas Murray, and Dylan Lock. Lock, a familiar acquaintance of Young and Gibali from their school days, eventually assumed a permanent position within the band, Lewis had met Dylan in primary school and they may not have been close but they were always friendly. Thomas and Dylan had met through the St Andrew's Academy choir a couple of years prior, however Thomas eventually left the choir. In October 2023, Frown entered Erskine Arts studios to record their debut single, "Peaceworld", written by Thomas Young, signifying their official entry into the music scene.

On November 3rd, 2023, Frown made their live debut at an Erskine Arts event. However, following a dispute between drummer Murray McGeogh and Thomas Young, McGeogh parted ways with the band, prompting bassist Dylan Lock to transition to drums and Lucas Murray to join as the new bassist, solidifying the current lineup. The band met Lucas at Erskine Arts, however when they met, Thomas and Lucas remembered that they had met in PACE when they were 9 years old, Lucas would often jam with the band and infact wrote the bass line for "Peaceworld", He fit into the band very well.

As the band progressed, their musical identity evolved from their grunge origins into a more encompassing rock sound, influenced by the new line up of the band. In January 2024, Frown released "Peaceworld" on various music platforms. On March 21st, 2024, the band celebrated a significant milestone with their second gig at The Bungalow in Paisley, it was an event set up by Gleniffer High School, where multiple bands from various different schools played, showcasing their growth and determination in the Scottish music scene.

Musical Style

Frown's musical style is characterized by a fusion of grunge and rock influences, resulting in a dynamic and eclectic sound. Drawing inspiration from bands such as Rehash, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles, Frown incorporates elements of distorted guitars, driving rhythms, and emotive vocals into their compositions. As the band evolved, so too did their sound, with the addition of guitarist Lewis Gibali contributing to a broader sonic palette and a more polished, refined approach to songwriting.

Notable Performances

Frown has played two gigs in Scotland, captivating audiences with their electrifying live performances and infectious energy. Notable performances include their debut gig at Erskine Arts in November 2023, where they showcased their acoustic and musical talent. The band's second performance at The Bungalow in Paisley in March 2024 marked a significant milestone in their career, demonstrating their growth and resilience as a band.

Name Changes

Frown has undergone several name changes throughout their journey, reflecting the band's evolution and creative exploration. Originally formed as Frown in October 2022, the band's name was an embodiment of their introspective and emotive approach to music.

In December 2022, drummer Murray McGeogh initiated a change, rebranding the band as 'The Human Connection'. This new moniker symbolized the band's desire to foster a deeper sense of connection and unity through their music.

However, in January 2023, following further deliberation, Thomas Young, Murray McGeogh, and Logan Marshall collectively decided to adopt the name 'Chalk'. This name change marked a shift in the band's musical direction and identity, as they sought to explore new genres to play taking more inspiration from Foo Fighters and The Offspring.

By March 2023, the band underwent another transformation, renaming themselves 'Thee Extinct'. This name change reflected the band's desire to carve out a distinctive niche in the music scene, embracing their individuality and creativity.

In July of the same year, Frown briefly experimented with the name 'Amara', only to ultimately abandon it in favour of returning to their roots. For a brief period, the band operated without a formal name, allowing them the freedom to redefine their identity and sound.

Finally, in October 2023, Frown made the decision to reclaim their original name, signifying a return to their core values and musical vision. This decision marked a turning point for the band, reaffirming their commitment to their unique blend of grunge and rock influences.

Critical Reception

Frown's music has garnered positive reviews from a small fan base, who praise the band's authenticity, raw emotion, and captivating performances.

Impact and Legacy

Frown are making a significant impact on the local music and hippie scene in Scotland, inspiring a new generation of musicians with their passion, creativity, and dedication to their craft. Their music continues to resonate with audiences, transcending genre boundaries and leaving a lasting legacy in the hearts and minds of fans.

Trivia

• Frown's debut single, "Peaceworld," was written by Thomas Young and recorded at Erskine Arts studios in October 2023.
• The band's name, "Frown," was inspired by Queen's original band name Smile, the joke was that they were called Frown but infact were alwasy joyful and goofing around.
• Frown's rehearsal sessions often take place in unconventional settings, including wooded areas and makeshift studios, reflecting their commitment to spontaneity and creativity.

Future Plans

While Frown's future plans remain undisclosed, the band continues to write, record, and perform music, eagerly anticipating the next chapter in their musical journey.

Fanbase and Community Engagement

Frown maintains a dedicated fanbase, engaging with fans through social media, live performances, and community events using their platform to give back to the community that has supported them throughout their career.

Members

Current Members

• Thomas Young - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
• Lewis Gibali - Vocals, Lead Guitar
• Dylan Lock - Drummer
• Lucas Murray - Bass Guitar

Past Members

• Murray McGeogh - Drummer
• Logan Marshall - Lead Guitar
• Nathan Adams - Rhythm Guitar
• Leeland (surname unknown) - Bass Guitar
• Aidan McGuinness - Bass Guitar
• Thomas Harkins - Bass Guitar

Discography

• Single: "Peaceworld" (2023)

Cameron Seed

Cameron Seed, Is it a bird, Is it a Plane? No, It's The Seed, The Myth, The Legend.

References

Spoken word