by Jaz Bowens
Slot 55 is a relatively new three piece band out of Philadelphia who lets their instruments, in dept lyrics, and robust aura speak for itself. The intrinsic guitar playing, the pulsating bass beats, and rhythmic melodies is just what American rock needs and Slot 55 is bringing it back. Rich Beaumont on bass, Phil Gorlaski on guitar, and Andrew Toy on drums make up Slot 55- a band with experienced musicians getting off on the right foot and celebrating their upcoming debut album My Reflection, which will be released in early May.
That Music Magazine had the chance to check them out during their Rock on Philly: Band and Bites performance in December, right before their mini hiatus to focus on recording My Reflection. Their singles “Free”, “My Reflection” and “Call to Arms” are a good display of Slot 55’s artistic abilities.
In an early morning interview, Rich Beaumont and Phil Gorlaski were more than happy to let us into their world. Beaumont took us back to 2012 when they first got together. “I was in a band for about 10 years prior and felt like it was time to move on to something different,” he says. “I knew Phil from prior things so I got with him, a songwriter and guitar player, got a drummer in my old band room, and started to play some songs Phil had.We just clicked and put out 15 songs that night.”
When all things align, there is nothing standing in the way of natural chemistry and a shared love of music. “Within a month of us getting together we had a single out and released “Free”,” Beaumont says. There is something to said about a band who is able to get in the studio and get work done. That’s a talent in itself. They have been continuously working on the album since their inception and are putting on the finishing touches.
It wouldn’t have been such a smooth transition from the paper to recording without some song writing by Phil Gorlaski. “It’s alot of staying up late sometimes,” Gorlaski says. “Sometimes songs come to me really quick while others take a little time.”
In addition to their songs, a new studio helped Slott 55 get the flexibility they needed and allowed them to take creative control over the whole process of the album from start to finish. “After using other people’s studio we noticed there were some limitations,” Beaumont says. “After we decided to build our own studio everything went smoothly from there on. We all pitched in and we are happy with the results.”
With complete control of the production of their music along with great songs to record, nothing but satisfaction, enjoyment, and pride is heard in every song. That ease and relaxation translates into their performances as well. All members of Slot 55 are looking forward to making music for people who appreciate good musicians, pure passion, and authenticity in their music.
Though they took a break after their Rock on Philly performance in December to focus on recording, after the release of My Reflection in early May they will be putting on shows and hitting the road soon after. A lot of preparation and practice goes into both performing and recording so they wanted to give each its own individual attention.
Slot 55 is a great rock band with a song to match every mood and every occasion. My Reflection is an homage to how far they have come and where they plan to go. The release date isnt set yet but be on the look out for it in May and check in periodically for new developments in the album by seeing more from them on Facebook and Reverbnation.
