        This partnership of John McGill (guitar/vocals) and Ralph Torres (keyboards/vocals), known collectively as mostly harmless, is an alliance of two compelling songwriters who are clearly each other's biggest fans. Bonded through common artistry and idiosyncratic humor, their list of musical influences is both lengthy and contradictory: Torres, a pop disciple, the creator of three-minute gems, is a fan of Brit-based bands. McGill, a Texan transplanted to California, is a country rock/blues based artist whose two solo releases reference a wide slate of influences from Reverend Gary Davis to Pink Floyd. The two met in Riverside, California as members of a songwriting organization. "John's songs were the best," confides Ralph. "No, Ralph's were the best," insists John. Their original intention was to form a four-piece band, but the duo found themselves at odds with their erstwhile partners over everything from clothes ("I refusedto wear black leather pants," laughs McGill) to band names. "We wanted Cowboy Brain Club," deadpans Torres. Eventually they compromised on Little Details, a title lifted from a Torres tune. Although the group was short-lived, adversity created staunch allies; McGill and Torres realized that although they were the odd guys out they were also the ones with the songs and voices. Recasting themselves as a duo, they plucked the name mostly harmless from the pages of The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxyand set out on tandem musical adventures. Although both maintain outside musical interests -- McGill has a solo record titled Journey From La Laand Torres, also a solo artist, co-writes with an international slate of platinum collaborators -- the duo are committed to a partnership that unmistakably emanates from the strength of the songs, the integrity in the harmonies, and the joyous union of two kindred souls. "We're both kind of out there," confirms Torres, as McGill concludes, "Today is the first day of the rest of our existential crisis."  |