In today’s world of prefabricated pop and generic rock it is difficult to find a band whose sound is truly original. Though it has been buried in recent years, a strong rock scene still exists in the shadows of popular music. Lefty, a group of California rockers who play the 9:30 Club tonight, hopes to step out of those shadows by delivering an original and eclectic sound that reflects a wide range of influences and styles.
Lefty presents a style of moderate rock riddled with hints of punk. They will play tonight’s show with Fenix TX and A New Found Glory. The band, comprised of Dennis Hill (vocals, guitar), Lorenzo Giovani (guitar), Scott Somers (bass) and Kenny Livingston (drums), is currently on the rise and looking to explode.
Recently, Lefty drummer Kenny Livingston spoke about the band’s new release 4-3-2-1 (Interscope) and its current tour. In a conversation that covered topics ranging from boy bands to female mullets, Livingston made it clear that Lefty is a band that wishes to bring quality music back into the mainstream.
I hate labeling music, Livingston said. I think that there are only two types of music: good and bad. I think we fall into the `good’ category.
Good may be an understatement for the band’s first single, Girls. It has already received airplay from several prestigious radio stations. This song, which is about the trials and tribulations of relationships, is undeniably addictive and stays in your head long after you’ve put the CD player away.
The single is really just about how guys and girls see the world differently, Livingston said.
Songs like Secret and As Good as it Gets showcase the band’s superb song-writing and vocal ability. Addiction is an ultra-hip slow rock tune that begs the listener to push the `repeat’ button.
4-3-2-1 is the band’s first major label record. The band recorded the album in only three weeks. Veteran producer Bradley Cook, who has produced bands such as Foo Fighters and Counting Crows, helped to record the album.
It’s been amazing, Livingston said. Interscope was really hands-off in recording. They really let us just run with the ball.
Lefty has largely stayed true to its roots and style. One thing that sets the group apart from many major-label bands is the importance they place on their fans.
This band is all about the fans, Livingston said. You can always see us hanging out at the merchandise booth after the show. We’re definitely not stuffy.
Lefty certainly seems to have some ties with the current punk scene. The band played a number of shows on this year’s Warped Tour, and members are currently traveling with former Drive-Thru Records bands Fenix TX and A New Found Glory.
I would say that we have punk roots, Livingston said. The punk rock ethic definitely applies to this band.
The future of Lefty is promising. With its sound the band certainly has a chance at mainstream success. Kenny has more narrow ambitions, however. He laughed as he laid out his future plans.
I just want to be a cool rapper like Vanilla Ice, he said. I’m gonna write one great song and sell-out and then buy a huge mansion to retire in.
Livingston may already have attained part of his wish, as 4-3-2-1 is head and shoulders above anything the pop-music scene has produced in years, including Vanilla Ice’s To The Extreme.
Lefty plays at the 9:30 Club Thursday, Oct. 5. Tickets cost $12.50.
