Members: sophomore Gabe Goodman (vocals/guitar), sophomore Jack Duff (bass), freshman Max DiRado (guitar), junior Ben Garman (drums).

Indie/Alternative Rock band, Closer Than We Appear, is comprised of four very talented young musicians. The group is already making a name for itself around the area, as the band has not only landed various shows in the South Shore, but also made headlines in newspapers such as the Scituate Mariner.

However, there is more to this band than just a creative name. CTWA  formed three years ago with only two members: sophomore Gabe Goodman and freshman Max DiRado. According to Goodman, the band recruited sophomore Jack Duff  for a songwriting competition. He would later transition from piano to bass guitar.

After much dispute over a phrase found on a car’s rear view mirror, the band settled on the name “Closer Than We Appear.” The band’s ascent only continued from there.

In the years following, as two of the three members moved up to SHS, CTWA continued to play in venues and competitions across the area, gaining publicity along the way. Amid the success, Duff noted that the band actually lost competitions because they lacked a drummer. In response, junior Ben Garman joined the group in 2010 as full-time drummer.

Presently, Closer Than We Appear is participating in a nationwide competition, School Jam USA, in which bands from high schools across the nation compete for a chance to win $5,000 for their school’s music program. On Dec. 5, CTWA was announced as one of the eight finalists chosen to compete in California on January 21st.

Aside from competing in larger competitions, the band still plays smaller gigs around the area, performing favorites such as: “Violent Delights,” “Star Kids,” “Don’t Ever Be Content,” and “Dodging Raindrops.”

Keep an eye out for this incredible group!