by Johnny LoftusOriginally from rural Charleston, WV, the guys in American Minor relocated to the college town of Champaign, IL, around 2002. The young quintet made a quick impression locally with its blend of stinging hard rock, old Faces records, and shades of blues and Southern rock, and soon a buzz was afoot. Eventually Rob McCutcheon (vocals), Bud Carroll (guitar), Bruno (bass), Josh Knox (drums), and Josh Gragg (guitar) hooked up with David Lowery, who helped them record a demo. South by Southwest followed in 2004, and American Minor caught the ear of ex-Blind Melon members Christopher Thorn and Brad Smith, who brought the band to Jive Records. American Minor signed, and issued the Buffalo Creek EP through Jive in October 2004. Their self-titled full-length followed in August 2005.