The Almost: American Post-Hardcore and Alternative Rock
The Almost is an American alternative rock band formed as a solo project by Aaron Gillespie, the drummer and co-vocalist for the metalcore group Underoath. Hailing from Tampa, Florida, the project found immediate success with its debut album, Southern Weather, which debuted at No. 1 on Billboard's Top Christian Albums chart and at No. 40 on the Billboard 200 in 2007.
Early career
The Almost was officially formed in 2005 by Aaron Gillespie, who began writing songs independently while still a full-time member of Underoath. Gillespie recorded the initial demos himself, playing nearly every instrument on the tracks. His established reputation in the scene quickly attracted label interest, leading to a deal with Tooth & Nail Records, a prominent label in the alternative and Christian rock spheres.
Breakthrough
The band's breakthrough arrived in April 2007 with the release of the debut album Southern Weather. Fueled by Gillespie's dual role in Underoath, the album generated significant buzz within the rock community. Its commercial performance was strong, securing the No. 1 position on the Top Christian Albums chart and crossing over to a No. 40 debut on the mainstream Billboard 200, a notable achievement for a side project.
Key tracks
Say This Sooner — This was the lead single and a definitive introduction to The Almost's melodic, driving rock sound.
Southern Weather — The album's title track showcased Gillespie's distinct vocal style and the band's anthemic songwriting approach.
Amazing Because It Is — This track highlighted the band's ability to craft emotionally resonant ballads within a rock framework.
Lonely Wheel — A deeper cut that exemplified the raw, energetic post-hardcore roots of the project.
The Almost followed up with their second album, Monster Monster, in 2009, which featured a more solidified full-band lineup. Subsequent releases included Fear Inside Our Bones (2013) and the EP No Gift to Bring (2015), each exploring variations of their gritty, melodic alternative rock. The band's activity has often coincided with breaks in Underoath's schedule, with Gillespie remaining the central creative force throughout their discography.
Fans of The Almost's blend of post-hardcore energy and melodic rock often appreciate the work of similar artists. Underoath shares the same vocalist and a foundational musical intensity. Anberlin operates in a similar space of polished alternative rock with strong hooks. Thrice explores comparable dynamics between aggression and melody. Switchfoot offers a more mainstream alternative rock perspective with thematic depth.
The music of The Almost maintains a steady presence on various radio formats, particularly on alternative rock radio stations and online rock radio streams that specialize in the 2000s post-hardcore and alternative era. Independent music radio stations also feature their tracks, recognizing the band's credible position within the genre's landscape.
Listeners can explore the dynamic catalog of The Almost through the radio stations featured on our website. Tune in to discover their powerful anthems and melodic rock tracks on radio stations available on onairium.com.
