Statespeed

Some nights go as planned.

Some nights you end up purchasing antique weaponry from a guy named Lars who definitely isn't named Lars.

Last night I had the pleasure of seeing a band called Statespeed. You know the drill. So many times you go see that girl from high school's boyfriend's band and they suck. Hard. Luckily, this was not the case with said band. They were fourth in a lineup of some sort at The Studio in Webster Hall. I missed band number one. Band number two was pretty good. They reminded me of Hoobastank, but only because the lead singer was Asian. Band number three was even better. They reminded me of Evanescence, but only because the lead singer was female. (SIDENOTE: "Evanescence" always made me think of an imaginary cologne that embodied the essence of some guy named Evan.)

And before I knew it, Statespeed took the stage. I liked them right off the bat, but I have to admit that a particular number won me over. That would be their rip-roaring cover of Katy Perry's "California Gurls." It made me jump, it made me thrash, and it made me think of Pixar's founder, John Lasseter, who said...

People pay money to go see a movie that's entertaining.

I love that quote. And I know that there are millions of people who would disagree with me on this, but I think, while there is no limit to what art can and should do, art should first and foremost entertain. It should shock, enrage, move, puzzle, challenge, frighten - all of these things and more. But people want to be entertained. And there's nothing wrong with giving the people what they want, especially if what they want is some goddamn "California Gurls."

I tried to congratulatorily express this notion of artistic integrity to the lead guitarist after the set, but to be honest, I was a little drunk. Maybe more than a little. I mean, there were $3 whiskey shots and we're in a recession, people. I also might have purchased a T-shirt.

Anyway, head to statespeed.com for everything Statespeed. And tell 'em I sent ya, because maybe then they'll think I'm cool. Maybe. - Benny Gammerman for Ology

Statespeed is Jay Sarle, guitar and vocals, Chris Schimpf, guitar, vocals and keys, James Navarra, drums and vocals and Ted Rosedale, bass and vocals. Rock, with a touch of alternative, Statespeed prides themselves on presenting the same sound live that they can on a a professional recording. Strong rhythm with steady lead guitar gives them a stand out sound all their own.

Check out their new EP, "Dreams Begin" on iTunes and Amazon.com. Statespeed can be found on Myspace, Facebook and Twitter as well.

Upcoming shows:
June 15- Arlene's Grocery, Manhattan, 8 p.m.
August 4- Studio at Webster Hall with Linden, Manhattan
- South Shore Sounds