Finish The Fight

ON THE TASTE OF CHAOS STAGE

EP band Finish the Fight inspired
By Humberto J. Vergara
El Paso Times

Being the mother of the lead singer of a band means coping with the ups and downs of being in the spotlight. Talk about a major headache.

But El Pasoan Felicia Jackson doesn't have to worry about her son, Michael Vincent Borrego.

"My son was born to do this, and I have no doubt in my mind that he will succeed," Jackson said. "I've been going to all of his shows for the past year, and I'll do my best to not miss any."

Finish the Fight is the only local band included in the Taste of Chaos Tour lineup, which features the Deftones, Funeral for a Friend, As I Lay Dying and other bands.

The concert will be at 5 p.m. today at the El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano.

Borrego said he owes a lot of Finish the Fight's success to his mother's undying support.

"My mom is a beautiful person," Borrego said. "She is a mentor and a huge fan of our band."

The lead singer is ecstatic about performing at the Chaos Tour, as are bandmates Leo Olivas (guitar), Carlos Garcia (drums), Andrew Brabo (bass) and Hector "Hex" Gomez (guitar).

Finish the Fight formed in 2004. From the beginning, the El Paso rock band attracted major attention when it beat out thousands of other Southwest bands to play on the Ernie Ball Stage at the 2005 Summer Vans Warped Tour.

"It's odd," he said about being selected to perform on the Ernie Ball stage. "I just realized that it was worth getting up this morning. It was an ordinary morning, and it turned out to be a shocking and surprising day. It was a euphoric moment."

Borrego deemed the band's victory as its career highlight thus far.

But Gomez said recording the band's debut EP was his personal highlight.

"The Truth We Search for and the Life We Live" has five songs including "The Truth and the Life" and "The Human Experience."

Borrego said his music couldn't really be categorized into a genre. He would rather think of it as heartfelt --even spiritual -- music, packed with lyrics about overcoming obstacles and perseverance.

"It's our stamp on the world," he said. "We are in search for the truth, and our album is all about that journey of self- discovery."

Coming up with that inspirational song can be a challenge at times, especially since the quintet members have different tastes in music.

"It can be a challenge to have everyone feel the same way when writing a song or coming up with a riff," Brabo said. "We often clash with different opinions, but I think that in the end it's our different inputs that make Finish the Fight's quality music."

Recently signed to Star City Entertainment, the band is working to complete its first full-length CD and focusing on staying grounded.

"Our biggest dream is to be able to do this for a living, to wake up every morning and just play music," Garcia said.

Jackson is convinced Finish the Fight will hit the big time.

She said she has learned more about being herself and freedom since the band put out its debut EP.

"Their music is inspiring, powerful, full of healing and love," she said. "It really is music for my soul and it has liberated me."

Make plans

•What: El Paso rockers Finish the Fight play at the Taste of Chaos Tour.

•When: 5 p.m. today. Doors open at 4:30 p.m.

•Where: El Paso County Coliseum, 4100 Paisano.

•How much: Tickets cost $26.75 and are sold through any Ticketmaster outlet or ticketmaster. com.

•Web site: www.tasteof chaos.com or www.myspace. com/finishthefight.

•Information: 544-8444.
Humberto J. Vergara may be reached at hvergara@elpasotimes.com; 546-6354.
Photo Caption: Lead singer Michael Vincent Borrego, guitarist Leo Olivas, drummer Carlos Garcia, bassist Andrew Brabo and guitarist Hector "Hex" Gomez make up local rock band Finish the Fight. They have been selected to appear today on the Taste of Chaos Tour.
- El Paso Times