Biography

Self-described as “…progressive…” & “…a mix of beauty and aggression…” Despite the Blindness is no doubt ambitious in what they seek. At times heavy and others soft and subtle, the band insists the music exists only to enhance the lyrics, which are filled with imagery that can be both heart wrenching and horrifying. This philosophy is akin to a singer/songwriter approach, a comparison Despite the Blindness encourages. “Absolutely. The story is the most important part. The lyrics, the poetry, the story shouldn’t exist to fill holes in the music. The music should enhance the story. It’s the story that needs to be told, not the other way around…”

Welcome to a journey that began with James Seabrook’s 2000 recording “Trinity - Despite the Blindness.” Although that album was complicated and adventurous, it didn’t receive support from his then label, Flesh Tuxedo Records, and was abandoned after weak initial sales. Fast forward 9 years. Seabrook (Raven Skies/Tailchaser) has finally met the perfect compliment to his ambitions in Leo B. Gonzalez (Cockatoo/American Rosa), a multi-instrumentalist looking to form a progressive musical project that focused on the composition rather than the instrument. After much discussion, they decided to resurrect the name Despite the Blindness. Troy Nowaselski (King Muskafa), who played with Gonzalez in American Rosa, joined just weeks before entering the studio and brought groove and flare to the group. Together, they have reinvented, or rather returned Despite the Blindness to what it originally set out to be; a dynamic, complex, and involving sonic landscape. Re-recording a couple of early demos, and writing two brand new songs, they set forth with a simple desire to be able to put something in people's hands. The result is Lovers & Heroes, a four song EP that explores the lure of lovers, the frailty of heroes, and a little bit of the big show.

Despite the Blindness “…definitely has the passionate angst and melancholy…” claims one listener. “…heartfelt…” & “…sexy,” says another. Seabrook has already draw comparisons to Elliot Smith and Chris Cornell, and the music, comparisons to Incubus, I Mother Earth, and Tom Waits. Regardless of the comparisons, the philosophy stays the same for Despite the Blindness. The song is all that’s important. No egos. No expectations. No reservations. Only this simple reminder, “It’s the story that needs to be told...”