Hometown: Fort Wayne, IN
Label: Stubborn Records, Stubborn Records
Website: www.new.facebook.com
Genre: Reggae
Reggae Ska Rockers Unlikely Alibi formed in late 2005 when frontman Todd Roth gathered together some of the most accomplished and popular musicians from the Midwest. Soon they were playing to packed venues both in and out of state. Within a year they took the top prize at Whatzup Magazine’s Battle of the Bands, as well as that publication’s Best New Artist award, earning them cash and studio time for their debut full length album “At the Ready”. The Stubborn Records’ release (January 2010) is a clever blend of reggae, ska and rock, saturated with memorable hooks, infectious rhythms and warm vocal harmonies. Unlikely Alibi brings to mind the best work of The Clash, Madness and Elvis Costello, with a traditional, yet modern twist.
The members of Unlikely Alibi have collectively sold thousands of CDs and played hundreds of shows throughout the United States, opening for such artists as Ben Folds, The Foo Fighters, Eve 6, and Train, as well as ska greats The Skatalites. In addition to Roth-vocals and trumpet, the core of Unlikely Alibi consists of Jerome Schooley-Guitar, Travis Fry-Bass and Duane Alexander-Drums. They’re often joined by Kris Miller-Keys, Jake Wilhem-Vocals, Matt Cashdollar-Sax, Aaron King-Trombone and Dan Cappelli-Bari sax.
Obviously this leads to the kind of rich sound not often found in today’s mainstream music scene and now, thanks to ska legend King Django and Stubborn Records, that sound is now available to the public. Since its release, the new album has been met with rave reviews and tons of online buzz. Unlikely Alibi has been steadily building their fan base locally, regionally, nationally and on the internet. This is the kind of band that isn’t afraid to bust out of the norm, yet stay true to their roots. They’re ready to launch multiple U.S. tours this year in support of their new live album "Live at The Mill"
“From the first track, Dancin’ on Coals, At the Ready lives up to its name. It begins with a bang, or, more accurately, a gutsy and contagious guitar riff courtesy of lead guitarist Jerome Schooley and just gets better from there. Dancin’ is a good introduction to Roth’s talents as a songwriter”
Deborah Kennedy - Whatzup Magazine
“Unlikely Alibi is on a great path to bringing together some past sounds with some fresh new ideas and grooves. The blends between reggae, 2-tone, rock, third wave, and trad comes together in such a way it almost seems to form its own ska genre.”
Tony Rad - Checkered Socks
“A great collection of rock, reggae and ska songs with a pop edge”
Emma Downs - The Journal Gazette
“Great! One of [my] favorite local bands to see”
Contributing editor - Fort Wayne Music
“Best set of the night in my opinion. Those guys f**k!n nailed it”
Contributing editor - Fort Wayne Music