Almost: The Persistent Pulse of Alternative Rock

Almost is an American alternative rock band known for its melodic yet gritty guitar-driven sound and persistent presence on the modern rock circuit. Hailing from Chicago, Illinois, the group achieved its most significant commercial success with its 2011 album Near Miss, which charted on the Billboard 200 and spawned several rock radio hits.

Early career

The band formed in 2004, initially playing small venues across the Midwest under a different name. After self-releasing a well-received EP in 2006, they caught the attention of independent label Rustbelt Records and changed their name to Almost, a nod to their near-misses with larger opportunities.

Their debut full-length, The Constant Divide, arrived in 2008 on Rustbelt. The album established their core sound—a blend of post-grunge energy and alternative rock hooks—and laid the groundwork for a dedicated fanbase through relentless touring.

Breakthrough

Almost's breakthrough arrived in 2011 with their sophomore album, Near Miss. Released through a distribution deal with a major label's indie imprint, the album debuted at number 87 on the Billboard 200.

The lead single, Close Enough, became a staple on alternative rock radio stations, peaking at number 5 on the Billboard Alternative Airplay chart and receiving gold certification for over 500,000 digital sales. This success propelled Almost to larger tours and festival slots.

Key tracks

Close Enough — This 2011 single provided the band's first major radio hit and remains their signature song.

Gravity Well — A deeper cut from Near Miss that showcases the band's dynamic range and lyrical depth, often a fan favorite at live shows.

Static Bloom — The lead track from their 2015 album Resonate/Dissipate, marking a shift towards a more textured, atmospheric rock sound.

Half-Life — This 2019 single featured a notable collaboration with producer John Congleton, emphasizing a raw, visceral production style.

The Distance Between — A track highlighting the band's strong harmonies and anthemic songwriting, frequently used to close their concerts.

The band maintained a steady output throughout the 2010s, releasing Resonate/Dissipate in 2015 and Echo Location in 2019. They have collaborated with artists like fellow rockers Fairweather and have consistently remained a draw on the touring circuit, known for their energetic and precise live performances.

Fans of Almost's guitar-centric alternative rock often appreciate the work of Thrice for their similar evolution and musical intensity. The melodic sensibilities of Jimmy Eat World also find a parallel in Almost's hook-driven songwriting. Listeners drawn to their post-grunge elements might explore Silversun Pickups for their textured guitar work. The driving rock energy of Manchester Orchestra also shares common ground with Almost's catalog.

Almost's music maintains regular rotation across a network of alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams featured on this platform. Their hits from the Near Miss era are considered modern rock classics, while their newer material finds a home on independent music radio stations seeking guitar-driven content.

The music of Almost can be heard on radio stations featured on our website. Listeners can discover the band's discography, from early indie releases to charting singles, by tuning into the alternative rock stations available on onairium.com.