California’s South Bay is renowned for its punk and reggae roots, but recently, the local music sound has been evolving toward eclecticism. Bands have been weaving in folk-based elements to their sound, trending toward Americana, Country, and Bluegrass roots, and creating a new music category, Whiskey Honk.
One of these bands is Bullys & Matadors, consisting of three Hermosa Becker Surf employees (yes!), Steve Huante (dobro resonator guitar, vocals) and Kira Lingman (hollow-body Casino guitar, foot-tambourine), and Rachel Togut (cocktail drum kit, percussion, back up vocals).
Huante is both a South Bay and local music veteran, RUHS class of 1999. Lingman and Togut, both 2005 Mira Costa grads, are surprisingly, new to being in a band.
Together, the three of them create a sound that’s a cocktail of Blues n’ Country, Jazz, and just plain ole good beer-drinkin’ music. Huante describes it as a blend of Rock, Country, and Blues, but acknowledges that they also dabble in Flamenco and are willing to try anything. He says, “It’s a couple hours of good live music with a great-looking, ripping pair of girls on cocktail drums and guitar, and a Mexican-hybrid of Elvis and Johnny Cash who ate Glen Danzig.”
The Bullys’ set runs through a variety of “countrified” covers, including those of Elvis, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline to Billy Idol, Misfits, and Tiger Army. But, they also filter in a number of originals, with songs like “Drunk On You,” “Six String Slinger,” and “Whistle Arrow.”
“We’re hoping to have an album completed by the end of the year,” says Huante. “Goal is to have a full length out by this fall, and we’re almost there as far as enough original material – just have to tighten ‘er up a bit before dropping money on recording.”
Up for hearing them live? They’ll be playing at our Becker Hermosa Grand Opening Celebration this coming Saturday, February 25 from 12pm – 7pm, along with bands, Whitley Heights and The Parted. Join us for a day of celebration, ping pong, giveaways, and of course, cool tunes!
For more info on the band, check out their site: http://bullysandmatadors.wordpress.com/
Image source: bullysandmatadors.wordpress.com
