Hailing from Gardner, Massachusetts, the boys of Outside In have been tearing up the bar scene in Westminster and Gardner since they started playing together back in January 2006 with their acoustic, folk rock, with a sprinkle of Spanish guitar, sound. This is one band that has managed to establish a unique sound, and have done so very early on in their career. "We've been told that we sound like Dave Mathews," chuckled lead singer Ryan, "with the guitar player from Pantera." I dunno about that. I think they sound like Outside In. But I do know that acoustic rock never sounded so good.
Ryan's searching lyrics explore all of the ins and outs of relationships, inspired by his own quest through the chaos that is love. Ranging from the pain of being apart to the joy of late night phone calls, everyone can relate to most of these songs. Musically backed by Ryan's own rhythmic guitar playing, intricately tasteful bass lines by Kiel, and those reminiscently Spanish guitar leads from Matt, all held together by the highly versatile drummer, Kevin, Outside In is one of those bands that is at home onstage or in the studio. Their live performances are simply stellar, full of emotion and energy, even for an acoustic band. In the recording studio (Kiel's room for now), well, you can hear for yourself just how comfortable they are there.
Outside In is becoming one of those bands that simply will not go away (in a good way). They're brightening bars across Central Massachusetts with their musical talents, and are moving their influence slowly but surely into Boston itself. As they move further and further down the path of music, you will have more and more opportunities to hear them, if you haven't already. Take them, if you haven't. If you had, take them anyway. They're just as good the second, third and fourth time. I'll let you know later if they're as good the fifth.
- Jean Levasseur
