The So So Glos are rock n roll band of brothers from Brooklyn, New York who formed in 2007- a band that has taken their own 21st century slang term and re-appropriated it to define themselves. The band has said that they call themselves by the street term as incentive to combat this type of behavior.

The band itself is made up. They’re made up of Alex Levine, of Ryan Levine, of Matt Elkin and of Zach Staggers . Through divorce and remarriage, brothers Alex, Ryan and step brother Zach were grouped together at a very young age.

In Bay Ridge, Brooklyn, the three started a rock and roll group. Without fully knowing how to play or tune their instruments the group was born in 1991.

Their earliest recordings were done on tape cassette and have often been described as “punk” sounding. Critics and historians have much debated over whether this decision to sound punk was intentional, or that its youngest member (alex) was three years old at the time. Despite differences in opinion by historians, they continued to grow as did the “rough around the edges ” sound that would go on to define the band.

After countless moves and changes growing up, the boys adopted their current name in 2007 and rededicated themselves to playing music they believe in. The near grown boys now found themselves lost in a rehashed world where “too cool” attitudes reigned and dancing was out of style.

Frustrated with the status quo and bored with party goers and scenesters, the group began recording an album. Working with childhood friend and producer Adam Reich, they completed and self released their eponymous debut within the year. The album was recorded in a series of after hours sessions in a Staten Island studio. (Much was recorded with singer Alex’s jaw wired shut after a brotherly fist fight left it broken.)

Their “long lost brother” Matt Elkin joined the group in October 2007 and with new found energy the band hit the road on the first of many D.I.Y. American tours. Inspired by the various punk houses and art spaces along their travels, the band co founded an all – ages venue in Brooklyn named the Market Hotel.

While living at the market, the band began writing and recording Tourism / Terrorism, released in fall 2008. The touring and the terrorism continued, they stumbled forward.

Some more time passed, and some of their dreams came true. They shared the stage with legends The Pogues, another EP was recorded (with the help of Mr. Nicolas Vernhes), and they completed a new album. The new album , “Blowout” has yet be released but has been described by all as “a triumph”. “A real victory for the underdog.” “A big step for the little guy.”

What more can be said about these boys?

They’ve definitely re-defined the term “so so glo” and have done a lot of positive things for themselves and their community. Not bad for a bunch of runts who’s name was previously defined as being apathetic and self obsessed, ey?

I think it’s safe to say that they certainly have flipped the meaning of a word that they made up ! Good for them. They’ve come a long way. Except for one thing. They’re still writing their own bio and trying to pass it off as if they didn’t. What a bunch of fuckin’ New York, D.I.Y. so so glos.