Into the garage of Dirty Spanglish - By N.L. Belardes
Ahh the streets of Bakersfield, that little city in Central California where kids just like in any town often get the itch to form a rock band. In a city where the Filthies reign rural rock punk supreme, kids sit in their bedrooms trying to learn the power chords that make such fun songs so catchy. But don’t just stop there with dreams of becoming Kenny Mount ripping guitars and singing British-made lyrics from the heartland of the USA. I’ve heard the War Days director play some Broken Record Gospel (Once again a defunct Bakersfield band. Too much over-indulgence shattered the vinyl of that talented trio). I’ve heard Wilco and U2 and Dead Kennedy songs tinkered with along with some Johnny Cash and a strong liking for the Beatles and local band, Norfolk... these are just some of the songs I have heard coming from the lair of the War Days director, guitarist for Dirty Spanglish. There are original tunes too. I hear hints of rural rock punk, a version more poppy than the Filthies. It's a “pop punk you can dance to...” I read that on the Dirty Spanglish flier promoting their gig tonight at the Rabobank Arena.
I met up with Dirty Spanglish by walking out the back door and heading to the Spanglish Garage where they practiced for tonight’s thrashing about during the intermission of the Vegas Wranglers-Bakersfield Condors hockey game. Their anti-officials anthem, “Zebras” is going to be a fun mix for the crowd who have heard veteran metal bands like Myndsick, veteran rockabilly kings Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers, radio show host celebrity rocker Rocky Nash, and more. But these are just 14-year-old rockers, easily impressionable, yet are hardened veterans of bands, orchestras, and steel drum bands in their music-filled youth.
The garage was filled with cobwebs, Dirty Spanglish groupies and rock music. I snapped photos to capture the moment. I listened to their hardy song with their new drummer. The addition of such a well-oiled drummer blends musicians from Stockdale High School and Bakersfield High: arch rivals turned team players in a rock band that’s all about fun, singing about life as kids see life: filled with fun memories to make fun of. They’re not on a goth-metal trip to sing about slit wrists and the end of mankind at the hands of Brandon Lee’s ghost. They're about clean fun in music and sound.
In true parent fashion I told them, “You guys suck,” which any good parent knows translates into, “I’m proud of you, but work hard at everything you do so you can reach your potential.” Funny how kids understand hidden meanings. At least I hope they don't run away from home. Just kidding. It's not everyday you see such determination and follow-thru from kids. Dirty Spanglish is a different generation. There's a lot of pride to just have fun and perform well. Now go rock it.
I met up with Dirty Spanglish by walking out the back door and heading to the Spanglish Garage where they practiced for tonight’s thrashing about during the intermission of the Vegas Wranglers-Bakersfield Condors hockey game. Their anti-officials anthem, “Zebras” is going to be a fun mix for the crowd who have heard veteran metal bands like Myndsick, veteran rockabilly kings Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers, radio show host celebrity rocker Rocky Nash, and more. But these are just 14-year-old rockers, easily impressionable, yet are hardened veterans of bands, orchestras, and steel drum bands in their music-filled youth.
The garage was filled with cobwebs, Dirty Spanglish groupies and rock music. I snapped photos to capture the moment. I listened to their hardy song with their new drummer. The addition of such a well-oiled drummer blends musicians from Stockdale High School and Bakersfield High: arch rivals turned team players in a rock band that’s all about fun, singing about life as kids see life: filled with fun memories to make fun of. They’re not on a goth-metal trip to sing about slit wrists and the end of mankind at the hands of Brandon Lee’s ghost. They're about clean fun in music and sound.
In true parent fashion I told them, “You guys suck,” which any good parent knows translates into, “I’m proud of you, but work hard at everything you do so you can reach your potential.” Funny how kids understand hidden meanings. At least I hope they don't run away from home. Just kidding. It's not everyday you see such determination and follow-thru from kids. Dirty Spanglish is a different generation. There's a lot of pride to just have fun and perform well. Now go rock it.
This entry was posted by N.L. Belardes, on
Saturday, February 04, 2006.
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