2 outstanding bands offer some sound fun
By Steve Romo
Teens often say that Tucson is not a fun spot for anything and that they have nothing to do on weekends. As it turns out, Tucson is a hot spot for local bands and all sorts of music such as punk, rock, emo, hardcore, ska, metal and indie. Almost every night there's a show at Skrappy's that is bound to satisfy even the most discriminating of musical palates.
Skrappy's, downtown at 201 E. Broadway, is a great place to socialize. Sometimes local acts open there for nationally known bands; other times the show is for local acts only. Skrappy's is a safe environment with great people and awesome crowds. (www.skrappys.com)
PHIL'S REVENGE
One outstanding band that has a rather large local following is Sahuaro High School-born Phil's Revenge. PR is a powerhouse that combines true-to-life lyrics and an unforgettable sound. The masterminds of the band are Kyle Gutierrez (guitar/vocals), Bryan Hambacher (guitar/vocals), Nick Letson (bass/vocals) and Brad Schumacher (drums).
PR's first big break was in 1998 when it played in a school battle of the bands. By playing covers and some originals, it received a positive response from the crowd. This confirmed for the band that it could make it, so the guys went to work making songs with complex guitar riffs and fully energetic drumming.
During this time, PR was playing gigs at Skrappy's and built a bigger and stronger following. Last summer the band debuted its independent demo, "All the Lights Along the Way," a four-song CD featuring "TR-77," "Hey You!," "3000 Ways" and "X's and O's."
This band is truly an inspiration.
LOS LOCOS GRINGOS
Here is a band that owns the Tucson ska scene. Los Locos Gringos (LLG) is an eight-piece ensemble (with one spot open, at the moment) that caters to everyone who enjoys music.
With a combination of a very heavy brass section (one sax, one trombone and two trumpets), plus powerful drumming, amazing guitars and bass, LLG's members are almost evenly spread out all over town.
Andrew Shuta (guitar/vocals), Pete Greenberg (drums) and Carlos Tineo (trumpet) all attend Tucson High Magnet School. Meanwhile, on the other side of town at Sahuaro are Nick Letson (keyboard, 2nd guitar, vocals), Mike Owen (sax, back vocals), and Adam Stokes (bass). Zach Smith (trombone) is a student at Marana.
LLG started about two years ago but never really planned to make it anywhere. Its first show was at a party at Udall Park for the band's friends.
The members recall that the show was horrible. These days they talk about "Miss You," the song they enjoyed playing most because it is a crowd favorite.
"During 'Miss You' it is crazy to see people singing along, and if we mess up, I can always count on the people to help me remember what I wrote in the first place," Andrew Shuta says.
" 'Sweaters and Letters' is a newer song, and I think that it is very high-energy, which makes it fun to play," he says.
While supplying catchy lyrics and a sound that drives you to dance, LLG has become the king of Tucson ska.
Be sure to check out these bands at Skrappy's to witness some phenomenal acts live.
