Influenced by groups like MGMT, Local Natives, and Cold War Kids, Nashville based band Phin is one that hasn’t taken much time at all in attracting all sorts of attention from Nashvillian music lovers and those beyond. Since having formed in May of 2013, Phin has frequented many of Nashville’s most well-known venues, including Exit/In and Mercy Lounge. Comprised of several of my fellow Trevecca Nazarene University students, Phin front man Toby Haydel shared that the name of the band comes from one of the founders of the Church of the Nazarene. “My parents met each other at Trevecca Nazarene University and I met all the guys in the band through Nazarene establishments. Naming the band after him [Dr. Phineas Bresee] is a tribute to the people who were brought together because of him,” Haydel shared.
Seeing as the name of the band comes from such a place as the Nazarene Church, it isn’t surprising that a good amount of inspiration comes from the band’s relationship and connectedness to the church and Trevecca. “All of us are Christians who hope to create music that will help everyone better understand the truth involving ourselves and the world that surrounds us, as well as to use our talents and strengths to influence people in the most positive way” said Haydel. Haydel also shared that it is the goal of the band to directly reflect their faith and relationships with God through their music and the way they live.
Like most groups, Phin’s sound is constantly evolving. When I asked Toby how he could best describe Phin’s sound, he said, “I always tell my grandmother it’s indie rock.” So for all you lovers of a good indie track with perfectly unrefined vocals and uncommonly meaningful lyrics, Phin is a group that you are going to want to know about. They are currently scheduled to play at the next Communion Show on March 13th and again a week later as openers for The Whistles and the Bells at 3rd & Lindsley on March 20th. Be sure to go like them on Facebook, download their EP Those Killers from iTunes (it’s killer, get it?), and stay tuned for some surprises from Phin in the near future!
– Bailey Basham
