Arts & Entertainment
Hocus: The 'Most Dangerous Band in the World'
The Imperial Beach band likes to think they are the most dangerous band in the world. Find out for yourself in these videos and songs, or catch them at a show this weekend. Read the interview below to hear more from lead vocalist Fat Lando.
I first heard of Hocus and their self-proclaimed title of “The World’s Most Dangerous Band” back sometime last year, but it wasn’t until they performed at last weeks "Love Sucks: A Valentines Day Metal Show" at the IB Sports Park that I actually heard them play. .
Their sound was a hugely refreshing departure from the rest of the bands who played that evening, who were mostly metal.
Nothing against them, but the ear just wants something different after a few down-tuned growling metal bands. That sound hearkens back to the grunge pop of the 1990s: upbeat, a little loud and unruly at times but utilizing a Nirvana-style ethos of song dynamics.
Find out what's happening in Imperial Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The group, made up of lead vocalist/guitarist Fat Lando, bassist/vocalist Bosh and drummer/vocalist Rhino, has only been around since Jan. 2009 but have already made an impression on the local scene with their simple-but-catchy alternative rock sound.
I caught up with Fat Lando for an e-interview earlier this week.
Find out what's happening in Imperial Beachwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Imperial Beach Patch: First things first: Worlds Most Dangerous Band?
Lando: Yes, we are. We push the envelope with our songs, our performances and attitude. There is a lot of music out now, either local or on the airwaves, that is just not real. There is no soul or energy. It's boring, or paint by numbers.
Some people don't like our honesty either song wise or even in discussions, but either way, it's such a rush when Scott Higby, our MC, starts every performance with "Ladies and Gentlemen, please welcome from Imperial Beach California, San Diego Music Award 2010 Nominee, The Worlds Most Dangerous Band HOCUS.
IB Patch: How would you guys classify your music?
Lando: I call it rock and roll, Bosh says it's grunge, and Rhino just loves to play drums. Call it what you want as long as he can play.
IB Patch: How did everyone’s nicknames originate?
Lando: I used to be real skinny, so I was always called Fat Lando. Unfortunately, it's become a reality. Bosh was given her moniker by one of her good friends since 2007, and Rhino is just a total monster on the drums. His playing is like a rhinoceros slamming through your walls.
IB Patch: You’ve accomplished quite a bit in your short period of existence. What’s the main goal, and how are you guys planning on getting there?
Lando: We all have a love for playing music whether it’s with Hocus or other projects. If you want something, you really have to work hard for it. It won't be given to you. Our goal now would be find a management company that would have faith in us and help steer us into the right direction. Other than that, either tour nationally or internationally and continue writing and recording our second album.
IB Patch: What is your opinion of the scene here in IB/SD?
Lando: Honestly, the scene here in San Diego is extremely (clicky?) clique. There are lots of bands out here who are supposedly the next big thing, but they are just as popular as certain publications or radio stations will make them. They are just playing simple songs with no actual song structure or have some gimmick that is just at times ridiculous.
A lot of bands have the stage presence of a microphone stand. It is kind of annoying because they know someone at a certain venue, magazine, radio station and just drill their horrible nonsense into the public.
But at the end of the day, if it makes your feet tap, or gets you out to shows, then by all means it must be good. As far as Imperial Beach? I believe that IB is a sleeping giant that is getting ready to waken. There is some great talent in this town. Not only that, but every Tuesday, the Beach Club Bar and Grille hosts an open mic from 6 -10 p.m. How cool is that?
IB Patch: Anything else you want to add?
Lando: If you want to hear and see a great rock and roll band, then come see Hocus.
We are always playing somewhere, whether it's on a stage or in your dreams. If you don't like Hocus, then by all means go see our friends: The Touchies, Privatized Air, Squirrelly Arts, Starcrossed, The Very, The Unruly Bangs and loads of other great bands in town. A lot of shows are under $10, and you will not be disappointed.
You can catch Hocus at Bar Eleven this Saturday Feb. 19 at 9pm. . Also performing are For Days and Lessons From Zeke.
$6 cover.
