Island Trees Grad Returns From National Tour with Giants at Large

Pop-punk quartet Giants at Large have returned home to Long Island from their second country-wide tour and are now shifting focus toward their debut full length album.

Formed in 2010 after their first venture into the music scene fell apart, Giants at Large is made up of CJ Kostaras of Bethpage, Matt Lagattuta of East Meadow, Brian Thomann of Mineola and Anthony Pasini of Hicksville. The band set out early this year on tour from California and worked their way back to The Vibe Lounge in Rockville Centre.

"Being on the road with your best friends and seeing people screaming all your words is a great feeling," said Kostaras, a 2009 graduate of Island Trees High School, "but I did learn a lot being on that tour. You think it's all fun and games, but in reality, you need to be responsible and get your name out there."

Kostaras, who's played the drums since age 11, always felt inspired by the thriving culture that was Long Island music. That is, until its presence started to fade three years ago.

Today, the drummer says his faith in the local scene has been restored after an impressive display of support and unity from both area fans and bands alike.

"A few years ago, I felt ashamed knowing I was a part of this scene, but out of nowhere people began to really show support and love again," Kostaras said. "I cannot thank the Long Island scene enough for helping us out. Without these guys, we wouldn't had even had the chance to tour out of state."

In their time off the road, Giants at Large is currently working on the writing and recording of their first full length album, which is scheduled to be released later this year. Kostaras said inspiration for the band's latest music is now drawn more from their experience together instead of personal hurdles like it was in the past.

"Our EP was basically influenced by a lot of relationship problems that motivated individuals to stay positive and keep their head up," Kostaras said. "This recent album that we have been writing nonstop comes more so from what we are feeling that day."

"Lyrically, we've been writing about how we see our best friends growing apart, how bands we toured with are getting bigger, and how even though we are touring a lot and pushing for our music, we haven't caught our big break and that gets to us sometimes," he added. "I can't wait for everyone to hear it. It's real and it means a lot to us."