As Tall as Lions
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2001 |
| Headquarters | Massapequa, Long Island, New York , United States |
| Products | Music albums, EPs |
As Tall as Lions was an indie rock group established in 2001 in the Massapequa area of Long Island, New York.
Their 2009 release, You Can't Take It with You, peaked at number 88 on the Billboard 200 chart. Frontman Dan Nigro later gained recognition as a record producer and songwriter, receiving 16 Grammy Awards nominations and securing two wins.
History
The band originated in December 2001, formed by high school friends Dan Nigro (lead vocals and guitar), Saen Fitzgerald (guitar, keyboards, percussion), Brian Fortune (guitars and keyboards), and Cliff Sarcona (drums and percussion). They created the group to continue the momentum from their earlier project, SundazE. Nigro and Fitzgerald hailed from Massapequa, while Sarcona lived in Smithtown.
Blood and Aphorisms
In July 2002, the EP Blood and Aphorisms was launched at Backstreet Blues. Dan Nigro took the initiative to distribute it online, which caught the attention of "thescout.net" and led to local radio play. Lacking a permanent bassist initially, they enlisted studio engineer Rich Leigey and their friend Julio Tavarez before Brian Caesar joined in October 2002. Soon after, they secured a joint development agreement with Island Records and Triple Crown Records, prompting all members to leave college to concentrate fully on the band.
Lafcadio
By May 2003, the band relocated to Chicago, Illinois, to record their first full-length album Lafcadio under producer Sean O'Keefe. They reworked several songs from Blood and Aphorisms alongside new compositions. Late that year, Nigro, Sarcona, and Caesar returned to Gravity Studios in Chicago to remix and re-record final tracks using family funding. Additionally, they contributed recordings for tribute compilations including an unreleased Smashing Pumpkins collection, the Counting Crows tribute Dead and Dreaming, and a homage to Bob Dylan.
Touring
While three members remained in Chicago with family support, guitarist Brian Fortune enrolled at St. John's University and exited the band. After difficulties finding a replacement guitarist, Dan Nigro transitioned to guitar duties. The band embarked on extensive tours supporting Lafcadio, despite facing financial setbacks. In July 2004, bassist Brian Caesar left to pursue a more traditional career path.
As Tall as Lions (album)
Following their tours, the band composed tracks such as "Stab City," "Where Do I Stand," and "Love, Love, Love (Love, Love)." Recording sessions extended through fall 2005 with mixing finalized by January 2006. Although proud of their work, the label considered the album "soft" and lacking potential radio hits. They brought on Rob Parr as a touring keyboardist; despite being new to piano, he quickly became proficient.
The self-titled album As Tall as Lions was released on August 8, 2006. To support the album, the band toured extensively, including participation in the AP Tour from March through April and headlining shows during the summer. Their television debut occurred on July 17 on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Into the Flood and You Can't Take It with You
As Tall as Lions polished their musical direction with the EP Into the Flood, which debuted on November 27 and entered the iTunes Top 50 during its initial week. Concurrently, drummer Sarcona and bassist Tavarez embarked on a national tour supporting the Dear Hunter, followed by a December tour alongside Silverchair. The EP was subsequently released on vinyl format on March 17. In January 2008, the group commenced production on their album You Can't Take It with You, officially released on August 18, 2009.
Disbandment and Subsequent Endeavors
On September 29, 2010, As Tall as Lions declared their separation was mutual and friendly. Their concluding performances quickly sold out, leading to the addition of more shows. A reunion tour occurred in 2015, although no new recordings were introduced.
Following the breakup, Fitzgerald took on drumming duties for Willis Work, while Parr joined the Dear Hunter as guitarist and backing vocalist. Fitzgerald, Tavarez, and Sarcona collaborated to form Kilimanjaro, an experimental instrumental ensemble; additionally, Tavarez and Sarcona initiated The Black and The White. Nigro moved to Los Angeles, initially composing jingles for McDonald's before establishing himself as a successful songwriter and producer for artists such as Kylie Minogue, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Rodrigo. His accolades include 16 Grammy nominations and being honored as Songwriter of the Year at the 2024 ASCAP Pop Music Awards.
Musical Style and Inspirations
The musical approach of As Tall as Lions has been characterized as emo, indie rock, and indie pop. Among their cited inspirations are the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Coldplay.
Former Members
- Dan Nigro – lead vocals, guitar (2001–2010; 2015)
- Saen Fitzgerald – guitar, keyboards, percussion (2001–2010; 2015)
- Cliff Sarcona – drums, percussion (2001–2010; 2015)
- Brian Fortune – guitar, keyboards (2001–2004)
- Brian Caesar – bass guitar, keyboards (2002–2004)
- Julio Tavarez – bass guitar, keyboards (2004–2010; 2015)
Albums
| Title | Release date | Label | Billboard 200 peak position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lafcadio | May 18, 2004 | Triple Crown Records | - |
| As Tall as Lions | August 8, 2006 | Triple Crown Records | - |
| You Can't Take It with You | August 18, 2009 | Triple Crown Records | 88 |
EPs
| Title | Release date | Label |
|---|---|---|
| Blood and Aphorisms | September 2002 | Self-released |
| Into the Flood | November 27, 2007 | East West / TCR |
| The Circles | December 7, 2009 | Triple Crown Records |
DVD
- A Farewell Documentary (Live performances in Chicago & New York plus B-sides) (2013)