A Small Craft Sighting live show is a blur of energy
and irreverent humor, a fusion of youthful enthusiasm
and emotionally-driven musicianship. Defying a world
ruled by the soulless commercial jingle, Small Craft
Sightings catchy hooks shoot from the mind, aim for
the heart, and stick in your head.
The group traces its roots back to 1991 and the
Catholic middle school in suburban Detroit where
guitarist Chris Nagarah, bassist Joe Kirkland, and
drummer Courtney Cahill met, became friends, and
formed a group in the hopes of performing the school
talent show. The three picked up lead singer Eric
Gutman during their sophomore year in high school
almost three years later. The result is a relatively
young group with more onstage experience than
most seasoned veterans. As the Western Herald
recently observed, [Over] six years of playing
together coupled with an enthusiasm for live shows
has resulted in a high-energy act that delivers the full
package to its audience. One writer for the
Kalamazoo Gazette notes, Their longevity has paid
off in the form of Small Craft Sightings trademark
live show.
Though the Small Craft Sighting live show may be
their calling card, the groups four independent
recordings are evidence enough of their strong DIY
ethic. After sales of their first two recordings, 1994s
self-titled demo cassette and their 1995 CD entitled
Altar Ego, exceeded one thousand copies, Small
Craft Sighting set to work in the early months of 1996
with acclaimed producer/engineer Jake Smith (1997
Detroit Music Awards nominee for Best Local
Producer) and recorded five songs which were
released on cassette under the title, e.p.. Inclusion of
the single Helen on the Zahmbee-Karlt compilation
disc Rock Cycle, a disc which enjoyed international
distribution and a nomination for Best Rock
Compilation at the 1997 Detroit Music Awards, only
added to the groups increasing recognition. The
groups latest CD, the four song e.p. ...then things
change, has received critical accolades from a host
of reviewers. A recent article in the Kalamazoo
Gazette described the release as a disc of songs
that combines energy and seasoned skill, with the
observation that its even more rare that a band with
such collaborative methods can achieve such
consistency in songwriting.
In addition to earning praise for their high-energy live
show and building an impressive catalog of
independent releases, Small Craft Sighting have
enjoyed airplay on stations throughout the country.
Before spinning one of the groups earliest tracks on
her show, disc jockey Kelly Brown of
Windsor/Detroits modern rock station CIMX
exclaimed, Youll be amazed by their sound! Mike
Dwyer of WPON radio showered similar compliments
on the group over the course of an exclusive
one-hour live-broadcast interview on the Michigan
Music Show. Small Craft Sighting have received
generous press coverage as well. A writer for the
Western Herald had this to say: The band has the
tunes, presence, dynamics and entertainers flair that
makes for a great live music experience. Check out
the SCS Press Page for more of what the critics have
to say.
Nearly seven years have passed since the groups
middle school conception, and the band sports a new
name, a new CD, and a rapidly-growing fan base in
college towns throughout the Midwest. Though the
name may be new to those who remember them as
Affliction, the intense, energetic sound is the result of
a constant musical evolution over these past seven
years. Four friends with a passion for music and a
penchant for onstage antics have gradually become
four musicians deftly channeling the overwhelming
urge to play focused, driven music. The result is
engaging and nothing short of impressive.
