Under the Influence of Giants

Taking inspiration from big-name acts like the Beatles, the Who, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Wonder, the Bee Gees, and Prince (to spout just a few), the aptly named Under the Influence of Giants emerged from southern California in the early 2000s. The group was praised early on -- especially after the release of its debut single, "Mama's Room," in mid-2006 -- for its smooth combination of rock and pop with a funk-edged groove. Vocalist Aaron Bruno and guitarist Drew Stewart had been writing songs together since high school, but the two first came into public view as members of the Ma...