Drifters Escape
Band Story
Drifter's Escape is a four-piece original rock band founded in the 1990s and is quickly becoming a rising force on the Philadelphia music scene. Often labeled "roots rock," their sound features driving rhythms, no-frills guitar work, and honest, memorable, and sometimes sarcastic lyrics.
The band began as a duo, with Tom and Brian sharing guitar, vocals, and songwriting duties. They spent several years playing two-man acoustic shows from Lancaster to West Chester and recording 4-track demos. Seeking a more rock-oriented sound, they expanded by adding Bob Brobst on bass and Casey Neumister on drums. With this new lineup, the band quickly built an audience in the Philly suburbs.
After about a year, Casey suddenly left the band. With several shows already booked, Drifter's Escape brought in drummer Lee Newman. The band entered a creative and productive period, which earned them a review in Rockpile Magazine stating they had “a strong grasp on an easily identifiable folk/punk sound. The band has potential and could really make waves.” This recognition inspired the group to record their debut CD, Twenty Minutes. The combination of airplay on WZZO 95.1 FM’s Backyard Bands and regular gigs in Philadelphia boosted their reputation.
Their track "Good As It's Gonna Get" climbed the charts on GarageBand.com, holding the number one spot on the alternative playlist for over three weeks. Despite this success, the band faced a setback when both Lee Newman and Brian Lamison left the group. Founding members Tom Kerns and Bob Brobst were determined to carry on and preserve the Drifter's Escape name. After months of auditions, drummer Dan Gaffney and lead guitarist Claude Jeruchim joined the lineup. It was immediately clear that Dan and Claude understood the band's musical direction and vision.
The new Drifter's Escape debuted at an end-of-summer house party, where the audience’s enthusiastic response confirmed their revitalized sound. They have since performed at major Philadelphia clubs, recorded a promotional EP titled Stubborn From The Beginning, and returned to the airwaves via Backyard Bands. Continuously evolving as performers and writers, the band is working on new material and plans to record a full-length album in the near future to expand their reach and recognition.
The band began as a duo, with Tom and Brian sharing guitar, vocals, and songwriting duties. They spent several years playing two-man acoustic shows from Lancaster to West Chester and recording 4-track demos. Seeking a more rock-oriented sound, they expanded by adding Bob Brobst on bass and Casey Neumister on drums. With this new lineup, the band quickly built an audience in the Philly suburbs.
After about a year, Casey suddenly left the band. With several shows already booked, Drifter's Escape brought in drummer Lee Newman. The band entered a creative and productive period, which earned them a review in Rockpile Magazine stating they had “a strong grasp on an easily identifiable folk/punk sound. The band has potential and could really make waves.” This recognition inspired the group to record their debut CD, Twenty Minutes. The combination of airplay on WZZO 95.1 FM’s Backyard Bands and regular gigs in Philadelphia boosted their reputation.
Their track "Good As It's Gonna Get" climbed the charts on GarageBand.com, holding the number one spot on the alternative playlist for over three weeks. Despite this success, the band faced a setback when both Lee Newman and Brian Lamison left the group. Founding members Tom Kerns and Bob Brobst were determined to carry on and preserve the Drifter's Escape name. After months of auditions, drummer Dan Gaffney and lead guitarist Claude Jeruchim joined the lineup. It was immediately clear that Dan and Claude understood the band's musical direction and vision.
The new Drifter's Escape debuted at an end-of-summer house party, where the audience’s enthusiastic response confirmed their revitalized sound. They have since performed at major Philadelphia clubs, recorded a promotional EP titled Stubborn From The Beginning, and returned to the airwaves via Backyard Bands. Continuously evolving as performers and writers, the band is working on new material and plans to record a full-length album in the near future to expand their reach and recognition.
Band Members
Bob Brobst, Tom Kerns, Brian Lamison, and Lee Newman
Bob Brobst, Tom Kerns, Brian Lamison, and Lee Newman
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: Pennsylvania (PA)
Genre: Rock