Cosmogirl

BROWNSVILLE - Bands like Cosmogirl tend to get tagged as "emo" or "indie," purely based on their emotional lyrics, lack of a record deal, and penchant for slim-fit jeans and tight T-shirts.

Yet anyone paying close attention will agree that the five-piece Brownsville band can't be so easily categorized.

Since its inception in 2005, the members of Cosmogirl, all 19-years-old, have been tinkering with obscure guitar peddles, digital samplers and laptop computers to deliver an expansive experimental pop sound that's both moody and melodic.

The band combines computer blips and walls of synth noise with traditional rock 'n' roll instruments (drum, guitar and bass) when playing live and in the studio. The sound has won them a loyal local fan base. The band plays rock venues around the Rio Grande Valley plus a number of house parties.

"People who come to the shows have their favorite songs," said guitarist Michael Gonzalez, a Brownsville native like the rest of the band. "We have songs that have been around for a while but we still play them for the fans."

Cosmogirl is currently recording a debut album in Brownsville. It hopes to release the as-of-yet unnamed disc later this year. Recording has been a rewarding experience for the band of childhood friends.

"Recording is pretty different than playing live for us," said drummer James Cisneros. "There's more you can do with the songs in the studio than on stage. You can be really experimental, especially with all the electronic elements."

Cisneros bangs on drums, a digital sample pad and punches a computer keyboard while playing live. Bassist Harley Ozuna also plays many musical roles. Guitarist and synth-player Matthew Rivas switches from keys to guitar in almost every song.

Rivas said the band plans to invite string players to its recording sessions, adding another layer to its sound.

Guitar player Gonzalez said the band's experimental nature and sound was influenced, in part, by progressive rock bands like Radiohead and Daft Punk.

"We learned a lot from watching bands at shows," Gonzalez said. "I would look at the guitar peddles that bands use and find them, and it kept growing. We're always adding more electronics and other things to enhance the sound."

Singer-songwriter Jesus Salinas thinks Cosmogirl's sound complements the band's attitude.

"We're all very open-minded. We want to be as open-minded as we can," Salinas said.

The band recently played a show with popular punk rockers The Ataris at Emo's on Austin's popular 6th Street. The show was Cosmogirl's Austin debut, and it marked a special reunion for the band.

"Our first show two years ago was with The Ataris," Gonzalez said. "So, we didn't feel nervous or anything (playing for an Austin audience), because we just thought, 'hey, it's only another show with The Ataris.'"

Cosmogirl is currently at work writing new songs and finishing its first album. The band hopes to one day take the show on the road, with a tour to support future CDs.

Stream Cosmogirls music at www.myspace.com/cosmogirlmusic.

Link: http://www.sonicbids.com/epk/epkedit_media.asp?epk_id=229268 - Valley Morning Star