Music & Alternative Culture Collective
Issue #20 | OCTOBER 2008

Metro Sunday

With an acoustic indie flair, Metro Sunday is an eccletic combination of musical genres; mixing pop and punk with the jingles and jangles of the old west. Colorful off-timing drum patterns and soft spoken ballads blend together to tell a story. Metro Sunday’s music, from the whimsical “At Dawn He Rides” to the heartfelt “Dream,” can be found on the current EP, Summer Sessions and the previously released EP, Rough Cuts.

The close of 2008 is bringing preparation for a hectic 2009 which will see the release of a third recording, videos and live dates.

www.myspace.com/metrosunday

Cobra Skulls

If you’re a NorCal punk you should know about the Cobra Skulls, or my dog is more punk than you. They are a true DIY workhorse. Hailing from Reno the band formed in 2005 by Devin Peralta (bass, vocals), Charlie Parker (guitar) and Chad Cleveland (drums). According to WIKIPEDIA, Devin Peralta is half Argentinian and therefore writes and sings some songs in Spanish. They’re an awesome punk band and you should go hear one of their many songs at www.cobraskulls.com or my dog will still be more punk than you.

The Hybrid Creeps

“The Hybrid Creeps,” a.k.a THC, are a rare form of “Punk”- a-billy. With Josh (drums) and Trevor (guitar).Ken (vocals) andt Nick (bass). After a few practices the four of them knew they had a different sound then anybody else in Sacramento. After a couple months, they played their first show together at Pistol Pete’s in Auburn, on June 28th. With Josh’s hammering drum beats, Ken’s vocals filling the house, Trevor’s infectious guitar riffs, and Nick standing upright on the Upright there was no question that the band was different www.myspace.com/thehybridcreeps

Social Syn

This four piece from Sacramento has the “it” that will probably take them far. The vocalist Rob has an amazing range with breathy melodic harmonies and punch through sing-screams similar to Incubus, but with a Sacramento sound embedded in. They have a very professional video on their myspace page at myspace.com/socialsyn. They released a cd recently entitled Speak Up which is full of well written, well performed, well produced songs showcasing their talents. I predict hordes of female fans and hopefully a record label deal in their future.

Allinaday

Allinaday consists of four members, Dave Ortiz on lead vocals and rhythm guitar, Anthony Serrato on bass guitar and vocals, Andrew Williams on lead guitar and Joel Case on drums. The band formed in early 2007 and have built up a rocking alternative sound . They have been getting played on 98 rock’s local licks as well as 100.5. They have a good all around sound and can be checked out at one of their many booked shows or at www.myspace.com/allinaday916

Dismal Lapse

Dismal LapseFormerlyy Bled this catastrophic metal band recently signed with Deepsend records and is embarking on a tour this next month.

A brutal threepiece consisting of Chris Barnum on drums and vocals, Evan Gravitt on guitars and Jason Brehm on bass. They released a cd entitled the Nameless Faceless in March which is still available online and at their shows.

WWW: myspace.com/dismallapse

Nothing Left

Nothing LeftNothing Left was first formed in 2003 by Neal Engelhaupt (guitars/vocals) and Bryan Christensen (lead vocals). The band has gone through it’s fair share of changes before settling on it’s current lineup which includes AdamMontez (lead guitar), Blake Hayden (drums) and Tony Soler (bass). In 2005, they released their first full-length album entitled *Burn the Skies* which features the singles “Slain” and “Nowhere To Run”. The group went into record a 3-song EP that featured the songs “Hero”, “Saving Daylight” and the crowd favorite, “Tainted Heart”. Currently, NothingLeft is working on new music with a scheduled plan to release a 5-song EP by 2009. With new members and a heavier musical direction, NothingLeft will be following this release with an independent tour.

WWW: nothingleftband.com

My Monster

My MonsterTake one hot Asian chick with a Gibson, add a quirky and eccentric singer/songwriter, sprinkle in a self-proclaimed freak, and just a dash of frazzled beats, and you have My Monster.

With an eclectic blend of 80’s and 90’s rock styling and a sound often compared to The Pixies and Stone Temple Pilots, this San Jose four-piece has made their mark on the local music scene with their powerful stage presence. From the first chunky riff to the final resonating crash, My Monster bursts onto the stage with an explosion of sweat, passion, and raw energy that creates a connection with their audience.

In 2007, My Monster released their first full-length album In Tune With the Voices in Your Head to enthusiastic reviews. Currently the band is working on new material, hoping to release a new album in early 2009.

Fate Under Fire

Fate Under FireWith a polished radio friendly alternative sound this band has just opened the doors to the scene and intend to barge right in. Fate Under Fire is a four piece consisting of Dave’s soaring vocals and rhythmic guitar strums met up with Rob’s heavy hitting drum beats, Chris who added his melodic guitar lines to the top of the mix and finally, rounding off the quartet, Derek, who keeps the foundation solid with tasty bass lines. With a show this month at the Boardwalk, you can witness for yourselves.

WWW: myspace.com/fateunderfire

Backbone

BackboneTheir story goes back to 2004 when singer, guitar player, and songwriter, Jorge Palacios, moved from his hometown, a little city on the East coast of Spain, to California’s Central Valley. His passion for music is driven by American rock bands like Metallica and Social Distortion. For 3 years Jorge struggled on his quest to find the right musicians that would allow him to achieve his dreams. His prayers were finally answered when in the summer of 2007, he met lead guitar player and co-writer, Rey Valdez. Underground’ is available at some Sacramento cd stores. They have 5 dates coming up in the Sac area.

WWW: myspace.com/bandbackbone

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