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Volume 40, Issue 13
April 22, 2003
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April 22, 2003
Fame is only a scratch away
for local ‘Itch’
By Carly
Schorman
Mesa Legend
Within a smoky building, behind a green door, one
of the valley’s best kept secrets is hidden. Even though the bar
is called the Emerald Lounge, no hackneyed lounge act will take the stage.
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BY CARLY SCHORMAN/MESA LEGEND |
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Justin Boyle and Albert Hamper of
garage-pop band The Itch play at the Emerald Lounge.
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The Itch, a band with a name that initially strikes like a ridiculous
cliché, draws people into the bar despite its lack of sign. The
name, however, captures the essence of the band perfectly. Just like the
irritation that demands continual attention, the Itch can not be ignored.
Catchy lyrics lock in a listener’s head. The only relief is to come
back and hear them again. The album that has yet to be made is destined
for the repeat button on every college kid’s stereo.
Maybe it’s not the contagious lyrics, but the band’s uncommon
sound that lures fans.
The Itch’s crafted style is a marriage of various genres. Garage
pop in the tradition of bands such as Weezer intermingles with the rock-a-billy
that is experiencing a growth spurt in local fan base. The Itch somehow
manages to draw out the kitsch of classic country without any crooning.
One might attach the “alt-country” label that has been seen
accompanying bands like the Old 97s and Whiskeytown. In this manner, the
Itch takes blue collar to the musical art scene.
Albert Hamper leads the Itch as singer, guitarist, and songwriter. Hamper
possesses a knack for writing songs that immerse the audience in a pop-induced,
devil-may-care stupor. Smiles erupt across the crowd in response to the
lively melodies. It is easy to forget the lyrics often allude to heartache
and sorrow.
However, the band definitely maintains some comical appeal. Fans catch
on as Hamper sings about being someone’s Corey. It is, in fact, the
dynamic 80’s duo he is referencing, i.e. Corey Haim and Corey Feldman.
The good-natured harmonies deliver amusement, but the band successfully
skirts novelty.
Hamper is backed by bassist Justin Boyle and drummer Ryan Everson who
replaced Scott Sholem. The instruments serve to toughen up Hamper’s
decidedly Indy pop voice. The guitar creates a solid rock ‘n’
roll sound which accompanies the bassist’s Long Beach surf-punk line.
Every song performed makes the drive to Phoenix worth the gas . . . unless
the band performs a rare cover song. For some reason the trio chooses
songs so far from their own musical style they systematically destroy
any cover. So, if they start in on a Nirvana song, it’s time to use
the restroom or get a drink. Don’t judge their music by their rendition
of other people’s songs.
The Itch has created a distinctive sound and backed it up with talent.
Each show is worth the trek to the alley parking and unlabeled entrance
when the elusive rockers pack the Emerald Lounge. But they only perform
on the last Monday of each month making the band as difficult to catch
as the venue is to find.
Don’t worry, chance and effort pay off when the Itch plays.
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