Original Skin was formed in the summer of 2001 by Guillermo Izquierdo and Eric Seymour, who had met during a period when both were playing in other bands. They were anxious to start up a new project that was a better reflection of their musical and creative interests. (For Izquierdo, better known for his guitar playing than singing, this was a particularly fresh start.) After a few personnel changes, the band locked in first with Chris Mattioli and then months later Brian Burd. Interestingly, Mattioli and Burd had both played with Izquierdo in a previous band. However, the music this band was creating bore little resemblance to anything any of the four had ever been involved with.

In January 2002, Original Skin recorded three songs with Producer Michael Atherton at Blue Summit Studios in Fort Erie, which in turn were released on an EP entitled “Without a Release.” In addition to the title track, the songs were “Off the Face of the Earth” and the popular “Think This One Through.” Despite the many positive reviews, the band felt that there remained a great deal of room for growth and development.

In May 2002, Original Skin began to meet regularly with Atherton for pre-production work on what would become the band’s debut full length CD. Through Atherton¹s guidance, fresh songwriting approaches were introduced to the band that involved some welcomed experimentation. This in turn led to good songs transforming into great songs. The end product was Sobriety, a collection of nine solid tracks, released in February 2003.

“Sobriety” has proven itself to be the big leap the band had hoped it would be. Music critics continue to rave. Radio stations have put Original Skin in regular rotation. Most importantly, the fans, who had patiently waited about a year for its release, are quite pleased.

Now more than ever, the band is seeking to spread its wings a bit, booking more shows in more cities outside of their home base of Buffalo. By the end of 2003, they will then begin work on their next full length CD.