Drowning Sorrows

Formed in the spring of 2019, Drowning Sorrows emerged from a familial bond steeped in a shared passion for good music. The band's inception took place when Gordon O’Reilly, alongside his brother-in-law, Raymond Galea, and nephew, Dylan Ray Galea, decided to transform their familial ties and mutual love for music into a cohesive musical project. Gordon, taking the helm as the guitarist and lead vocalist, is complemented by Dylan on the bass and backing vocals, with Raymond anchoring the rhythm on drums.

Drowning Sorrows is a testament to the timeless appeal of rock 'n' roll, embodying the spirit of the genre as fervently as icons like Lemmy famously declared for Motorhead. Their musical influences span a broad spectrum, from the foundational rock 'n' roll of the '50s through the evolutionary sounds of the '60s garage rock, '70s punk, and glam, to the '80s thrash, post-punk, and psychobilly. The '90s alternative scene and the eclectic mix from the 2000s onwards also play a significant role in shaping their sound, creating a rich tapestry of influences that define their music.

The band's name, Drowning Sorrows, speaks to the transformative power of music, offering an escape to listeners and inviting them to momentarily forget their troubles. This ethos is mirrored in the themes of their songs, which often revolve around perseverance and confronting personal issues over time, resonating with fans on a deeply personal level.

Drowning Sorrows marked their public debut in 2021 at the Rock/Metal City event held in Valletta GWU, a momentous occasion that set the stage for their journey ahead. While the band has yet to formalize their discography with albums or EPs, they have taken a modern approach to sharing their music, releasing weekly content on their YouTube channel and major streaming platforms. This strategy not only keeps their fans engaged but also showcases their evolving production skills, with a mix of covers and original tracks.

Despite not having received any formal awards or recognitions yet, Drowning Sorrows has already created memorable live experiences, notably their performance at Diamond City in Rabat, described as a mid-summer meltdown. Their participation in the Farsons Beerfest in 2023 marked their first festival appearance, setting the stage for future live events and tours.

Looking ahead, Drowning Sorrows is focused on self-recording and producing their material, aiming to eventually self-produce an album to a high standard. With weekly releases on YouTube, they are not only working through their extensive back catalogue but also honing their production skills. The band aspires to tour abroad and expand their fan base, dedicating themselves to delivering authentic and impactful music to a global audience.

For fans and followers of Drowning Sorrows, the future holds a promise of more original music, continuous engagement through their digital platforms, and the potential for live performances that capture the energy and essence of rock 'n' roll. As they navigate the challenges and triumphs of the music industry, Drowning Sorrows remains a beacon for perseverance, familial bonds, and the enduring power of music.

In late 2024, drummer Raymond Galea departed, with Morsrot's Alex Fenech stepping in on drums for the live shows through the end of the year.