Who are Final Evolution? Karl Ficarotta on vocals; Craig Webber on drums; Ben Gilholm on guitars and vocals; and Dan Webber on guitars. Where in Somerset are you from? Bridgwater and Taunton When did you form? In 2003 How did you get together? After a couple of band practices, Craig and Dan asked Ben Gilholm to come in and play some guitar and attempt some vocals. It wasn't long, however, before they hit a problem. As they were building up to their first gig, they realised Ben wasn't a very good singer. They decided to start looking for a fifth member of the band, and practise in the meantime. Over the following year-and-a-half, they played a couple of gigs without a vocalist, letting the music speak for itself, and coming second place in a battle-of-the-bands competition in the process. They also auditioned a number of potential vocalists, but nobody they were happy with, and nobody that lasted longer than a band practice. Eventually, Ben decided to go off to singing lessons and reclaim his old place as lead singer, and start to get the band on the local scene. Many gigs ensued, playing in Taunton, Bridgwater and Plymouth.
Next up for the band was to record a demo, to help get their music out there. So, late 2004 they stepped into Kewsound Studios in Kewstoke near Weston-super-Mare. They recorded five tracks of their own music in a very short space of time, and were the subject of a documentary for a friend's college coursework entitled Final Evolution: The Rockumentary. Still they were not happy with the vocals. Towards the end of 2005, Ben stepped down from vocal duties for the second and final time. Up stepped Karl Ficarotta, a clarinet player and friend of Craig's. As soon as the rest of the band heard his vocal talents, they were convinced they had found their front man - a powerful, slightly American voice, coming from a young 17-year-old lad. The rest of the band were further blown away after their first gig with the new singer, and his first gig ever. He had the crowd hanging on his every word - he made them listen. More gigs were immediately lined up. Within three to four months, Final Evolution had already doubled their gig history. All that was left to do was to get a demo finished, one they were proud of. And so, in June 2006, they once again stepped into Kewsound Studios where they spent three days creating a six-track demo that would hopefully help them to get more gigs, and to expand from the usual venues to new places. It was in August 2006, on the day of the 2006 Bridgwater Wired Festival, that bassist Tom decided to leave the band. The band is currently looking to find a new bassist to make their lineup complete once more, so they can gig again. How would you describe your music? Alternative rock How did the band gets its name? Numerous bad alternatives and the hope that we could have a name with a little meaning behind it. Who are your musical influences?
Between us, we're influenced by so many different bands and genres there are really too many to list. Like our music, our influences range from acoustic, pop-style music to the much heavier side. Just listen and make up your own minds... What is your most memorable gig so far? Probably playing to about 1,000 people at a gig in Taunton. Also, the first gig with Karl 'cause we realised we had our front man. Where would you most like to play? Anywhere, as long as they'll have us. Finally, tell us some interesting facts about yourself We like cheese. | 
