Ideophonic

Coming all the way from Brownsville, Texas, Ideophonic’s alternative indie rock arrives to Stubb’s stage ready to rock the audience away. Milton Rodriguez constant beat, the plucking of the guitar, and the harmony between Joel Niño and Luis Martinez’s vocals also add multiple layers to their set. Their loud sound can be described as melancholy yet manages to captivate the audience and leaves them wanting more by the end of their set. - The Austin Live Review

Ideophonic
Where The Desert Ends
Written by: BV on 10/01/2013 19:01:42

Ideophonic was introduced to me as an experimental indie-rock band. I can’t say I honestly agree with that particular description, but it isn’t really of importance anyway. What is of importance, however, is the fact that Ideophonic has managed to impress me quite a bit with their new-ish album “Where the Desert Ends”. It is a melancholic, bombastic, stadium-like indie-rock album, and as such, a lot of images comes to mind while typing these very sentences. - Images of Coldplay, as well as U2 and Radiohead, but also images of lesser-known bands like As Tall as Lions. All of these different images and influences are what seemingly drives the 4 guys from Texas, known as Ideophonic. And Ideophonic knows how to utilize these influences effectively, I can tell you that.

From the very first seconds, of the very first track called “Four Eyes” the listener is assaulted by the bombastic stadium-rock drumming, indicating that something grand is coming - and the track delivers. The chiming guitars and the pounding rhythm section thoroughly underline the fact that this is supposed to be an “epic” listening experience, where influences from Coldplay in particular, shine brightly through, all the while not being the predominant focus of the song.

This particular feel to the songs generally continues through the albums eight tracks, with few minor detours along the way. One of the bigger detours along the way is the track “Metapsychosis”. The soundscape of “Metapsychosis” seems far more grounded in an inspiration from the alternative rock behemoths in Radiohead, which stands in stark contrast to the overwhelmingly stadium-influenced soundscapes of the rest of the album. However, the Radiohead inspiration is not a bad thing at all. As a matter of fact, it marks a welcome breathing space from the, at times, far too grand soundscape, to which I personally can’t commit myself for longer periods of time. So, contrary to many of my other reviews, the album's detour along the way is actually a highlight in itself, rather than a focus shifter. But if that’s the case, then what are the negative points of this album?

Well, for starters, the soundscape is perhaps a bit too 'Epic', 'Grand' or whatever you might call it, for my personal tastes. I find the whole epic-sounding soundscape, to have a tendency of becoming a bit too bland over time, given many repeated listens. I can’t honestly say if that’s the case with “Where the Desert Ends” yet, but unfortunately, I do expect it to go that way. Honestly, there aren’t many other negative aspects to point out on this album, which also results in the high grade I’ve given. I’m not sure if I’ll remember this album in a year, or two for that sake. But I am confident that at least one track, will be a welcome re-listening experience.

Download: Four Eyes, Metapsychosis, Daggers and Dust
For The Fans Of: Coldplay, Radiohead, As Tall as Lions
Listen: facebook.com

7 1/2 out of 10 - Rockfreaks.Net

Everything in Texas is just bigger, right? Does that include a band’s talent? If one gives a listen to Ideophonic, from Brownsville, Texas, they might just have to say yes. The opening chords of “Four Eyes,” the first song off the band’s album Where The Desert Ends, begins and the feeling that the listener has just gotten themselves something good emerges.

The album presses on, each song completing the thought of the previous one, clicking together like pieces of a puzzle. Artists claim that albums tell a story, and Where The Desert Ends is no exception. The emotions put into the uniquely composed album are clearly evident when giving the eight tracks a simple listen.

Joel Nino’s distinct voice, accompanied by the steady beat of the drums by Milton Rodriguez and each strum of the guitar by Tom Costilla and Armando Ibarra, releases a dramatic flair that has the listener craving for more. Overall, the album is exceptionally constructed in a way that makes Indie Rockers and Alternative lovers truly hit the replay button greedily.

Personally, after listening to Where The Desert Ends numerous times, the evaluation of the band I once knew nothing about and now seem to sing their songs in the shower is rave-able. So what are you waiting for? Go have a listen!

Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars - Indie Music Reviewer Magazine

Ideophonic, is a four-piece band that fuses indie, alternative and experimental rock in their music. The current line-up consists of Mando (guitar), Milton (drums), Joel (vocals) and Tom (guitar). Each musician comes from a different part of the Rio Grande Valley.

The band’s name derives from a time when drummer, Milton, was sick. ”He told his mother he sounded “afonico” ([ah-fo’-ne-co]) (Adjective: Aphonic, not able to use or control the voice). From there, he had the word ‘phonic’ stuck in his mind, and eventually led him to come up with ‘ideo’. We put them together and the rest is history,” says Joel.

I first saw Ideophonic a couple of years ago when they opened up for the band, Fastball. Multiple bands performed as it was a benefit show for the Haiti victims. I remember taking photographs of most of the bands that performed. Ideophonic took the stage and their sound was mesmerizing. I recall feeling bad because Joel asked me if I had taken photographs of their performance. I said, “No, I apologize. I was really into the band’s performance, and I was taking it in.”

I asked how their sound has changed with Tom as the new addition. ”Our sound is still similar as it was before. The only difference is that it’s more polished and chord oriented. Tom has been through his own experiences in other bands. So when we record, hopefully we’ll notice a change, if any,” says Mando.

Ideophonic is currently working on a song with a bluesy feel, and a country song (the country song won’t be on their upcoming album). “We’re not letting styles keep us in a box anymore. If we feel something great, we’ll progress with it and let it lead us. The songwriting process for our upcoming album is much more fluid than in the past. It’s a wonderful feeling and very liberating,” says Joel.

The band has traveled all over Texas and Mexico since forming long ago. They hope to travel to other states when their upcoming album is done recording.

One of their favorite highlights is when they performed in Monterrey, Mexico. However, they have been fortunate to perform for well-known musical artists such as Hawthorne Heights, Willie Nelson, Jaguares, 100 Monkeys, Jack Rathborne (he plays Jasper in Twilight) and Fastball. Some of these performances occurred at music festivals like the Never Say Never Festival (Mission, TX), SPI Music Fest (South Padre Island, TX) and My Radio Fest (San Marcos, TX).

“Opening for Hawthorn heights was crazy! We struggled to get our van running, then got a ticket on the drive up to Corpus and arrived as they were closing up the loading doors. Making it on time was such a relief. There wasn’t much time to contemplate about what was going on and who we were opening for. The band, 100 Monkeys was nerve racking. It took a while for us to loosen up on stage, and the crowd wasn’t giving us any feedback while we played. Though, as soon as we got off stage, we were swarmed and sold out on cds. Joel signed iPhones and sneakers. It became surreal,” says Mando.

The band is currently in the studio and almost done with the recording process. They are hoping to have a CD release party in the upcoming months. Another crowning achievement includes McAllen’s newspaper, the Monitor, proclaiming them as one of the “Bands to watch for in 2009.” - Aurora Narrations

Ideophonic are playing the South Padre International Music Festival tonight between 6 and 7, and tomorrow at 4:30. Both shows will be at Tequila Sunset. There will be more than 50 bands from all over the world playing this festival, so if you're in the area, go out and show some support. Ideophonic hails from Brownsville TX and consist of Armando on guitar, Alex on guitar, Joey on bass, and Milton on drums. They're a relatively new rock band and I especially like "Arms Down." There are 2 songs on their player and you can also purchase their ep by mail. All the details are on their myspace blog entitled "our ep." Be sure and check out this great band at www.myspace.com/ideophonicmusic. I would also like to welcome Ideophonic to the indieliferadio family. I can't wait to hear more from them in the future. In just a few short correspondences, I get the feeling that they are some of the sweetest guys around and it has been a pleasure meeting them! - www.indieliferadio.com

1. Where did you guys get your name?

Milton - Well, I was sick and my throat hurt,My mom said in Spanish, ‘Te oyes bien afónico.’ And that word fónico [phonic] stayed stuck in my head.” Later I added the Ideo part. The guys liked it and it stayed.

2. What type of genre do you guys consider yourself?

Joey-I don't really know if there's one definite genre we would be categorized in...

Mando-I think we’re Indie Alternative….that covers a lot of styles of music.

Milton-Yeah, with a touch of experimental. We tend to cross the lines of different genres to find what suits our songs the best.



3. Who are your influences?

Armando – White Stripes, Radio Head, Interpol, Manchester Orchestra, December Drive, Red Hot Chili Peppers and about 1000 other bands that don’t come to mind right now.

Alex - Mute Math, Bloc Party, Sigur Ros, This Will Destroy You, Interpol, Radiohead

Joey-Incubus, Coheed and Cambria, The Used, Bayside, As Tall As Lions and so many more.

Milton-Interpol, As Tall As Llions, This Will Destroy You, Radiohead, Manchester Orchestra, Bloc Party, my fellow band mates.



4. Where do you stand on the Mexican Border wall?

Armando-I’m against it. It's very hypocritical of the government to trump the environmental laws to build a wall… but they wont allow scientists to experiment with putting solar panels in desert areas because of those same laws. They also say they want to build the wall to help fight terrorism, and if that was the case then why wouldn’t they build a wall to the north of us as well?

Milton-In my opinion, it would be just a waste of money. Even though this does get built, it will not stop immigrants from entering our country.

Joey-I agree, all that money can be spent on something with a far greater cause. Youth centers to keep kids out of the streets, homeless shelters, more funding for the injured and fallen soldiers coming from Iraq. Take your pick.



5. Do you guys have any tattoos and if so of what?

Joey-I'm pretty much the only one with any ink on me. I have a traditional revolver tattoo on my arm, and 4 Links (Legend of Zelda) on my left side. I'm a bit of a video game lover/geek. All my work's done by Steven Cancino at South Ink, he's got wicked skills with a tattoo gun!


6. What's your favorite song to play, least favorite?

Joey-I love playing "Honey on a Forked Tongue". It's one of our newer songs, and I think one of our best. The song I like least would have to be "Adeline".

Alex-Favorite is "Moving On"….least is "The Witness"

Milton-"Honey on a Forked Tongue", "Moving On", "This is an Introduction" are on my preffered set list. "Goodnight" not so much.

Armando-My favorite is also "Honey on a Forked Tongue", least – "The Witness"



7. What song do your fans request to hear the most?

Joey-It's really a mix of our old cd. "Goodnight", "Haunted Rooms", "The Witness". Recently I've had a lot of requests for "This is an Introduction" which is off of our most recent venture "Idle Transition".


8. What song are you sick and tired of covering?

Alex-"Las Mananitas"

9. What inspires your music?

Milton-My father and brother...

Mando-Jamming with Milton, Joey and Alex inspires me. Hearing good music inspires me. As cheesy and cliché as it sounds...life in general is pretty inspirational.

Joey-Everything from fellow musicians and bands to issues in my life. I'm very personal with my lyrics, and I like for people to relate to what's going on with me. It's a form of connecting with the fans of our music and I think my biggest contribution to Ideophonic.



10. How do you stand out in the South Texas Music Scene?

Mando - Hard to say…we try our best.

Joey-Well, we're not a cover band and we're not a tejano band! That should make us stand out from 75 percent of the South Texas music scene. All kidding aside though, our music speaks for itself. If you give it a listen, or better yet come to one of our live shows, you'll see why.


Ideophonic is Alex-Guitar, Joey-Vocals/Bass Guitar, Mando-Guitar/Keys, Milton-Drums

Listen to some tracks at www. myspace. com/ideophonicmusic - MAG-X

The Ideophonic practice session is in Mando’s sister’s house which is being constructed in suburban
Brownsville. Across the quiet street is a few older men with mustaches drinking beer and listening to a
Tejano radio station as loud as the factory truck speakers can go.

The band’s equipment is positioned in semi-completed, dark living room area lit with a single-bulb lamp
without a lampshade. It seems dark, but the mood is perfect. Listening to the music takes you to that
special place where nobody can bother you.

After the guys were tuning a bit, Art busted out with his new toy, a bow. Art rosined up his bow and started
playing something he had never played before. Soon followed Mando and Joey as Milton assembled his
drum set. As Milton finalized his symbol arrangement, he begins setting a beat, and together Ideophonic
played a piece, which they now have developed into a song. The jam went on for about seven minutes,
and it hit me with such a force, that I took photos of the band as they played.
I asked the group if they often begin practice by wailing into a song such as they did the day before
Valentine’s Day 2007. Art said, “This is the first band where we connect and just come together and make
music. Songs just happen as we play. We get the rhythm first and everything else comes in second.”
Mando continued, “We put structure to the songs later.”

As Ideophonic finished that session, the looked at each other in amazement, and they asked me what I
was gonna do. Well I stood by the light bulb on a stick and began asking Ideophonic questions.


Where does the name Ideophonic come from?
Milton- I was sick and my mom told me, “Te oyes muy aphonico.” And the word phonic was in my head
and then I got an idea to combine the two. And the guys liked it.
It was either spy machine or Ideophonic, we wanted a short easy name, and one that people liked too.

Where does inspiration come from?
Art-Passion for Anything I believe in and the music itself
Milton-The feeling I get when I make the music
Joey- The music. When we play it just happens. Mando jumps in and says like you saw right now this guy
just started going into it.
Art said, “This is the first band where we connect and just come together and make music. Songs just
happen as we play. We get the rhythm first and everything else comes in second.”
Mando continued, “We put structure to the songs later.”

So when someone has an idea, y’all just roll with it right?
Have y’all ever come across an idea you don’t want to roll with?
Everyone laughs and says “Yeah” almost at the same time then
Mando confessed, “Unfortunately, most of those ideas are mine.”
And again there were more laughs.

What was the funniest time you didn’t like an idea?
Milton began, “That time when you (Mando) came up with a riff, and I told you I liked it, but Art said he didn’t
like, and you got all guitado (sad for those non-texmex speakers).”
Milton then finished the story, “Yeah, Art said he didn’t like it, but then I played that same riff a few weeks
later, and Art liked a lot, and then we made a song with it. And I was like what the hell!”

What do y’all do outside of Ideophonic?
Bread and butter, but we all have our side projects
Mando- other jam bands
Joey- death to a star, and a cover band

What is the farthest city you've played in?
We are slowly making our way up. We just play locally, but the furthest was in Harlingen. We want more
shows. Milton talked about their international gigs in Matamoros, Mexico, “We are going to play in Mexico,
and we are psyched, one because it’s different because of the people.” Mando interrupts, “and two cause
we’ve never been there.” Milton continued, “And three cause we will be the only indie band there.”

Milton explained that Mexico is into different genres, “Mexico is really into screamo and stuff, but put indie
in there and they will like it.” Mando frankly asked Milton, “Who said that guey? Milton sharply replied, “They
all said that.” And the band burst out laughing.


Would there be a possible Mexico tour in the near future?
Right now anything is possible

Where do the funds come from to travel?
“Well we all work,” Milton said, “I work, Art works a lot Mando works.” Mando responded, “No I don’t.”

Where do y’all work?
Mando-I work on taking a nap.
Art-I work in a food processing plant.
Milton-I work at UTB. I work in an office all day at the ITEC building

What long term goals do you have for Ideophonic?
Play as many shows as we can and make good music

Is there merchandise on the way?
We sold some pins a while back.

How do y’all iconocize Ideophonic?
This is our symbol right now pointing to “the chick.” Joey said, “She’s beautiful.”

Any creative ideas outside of music?
“Well this guy (Art) is an Art major”, Mando said.
Art – I’m into writing.
Joey – I like computer programming, but mostly writing songs they are powerful stuff, and tha - www.Nikfix.com

An intimate crowd gathered at the historic theatre, Cine el Rey, in downtown McAllen last week to enjoy a night of indie music from several local bands and one out-of-towner.

The lead singer of The Mountain View, Chris Coghill, 21, put on “Rock the Valley,” a concert including staples from the Rio Grande Valley like The Apple in the Tree, Melissa Carver and Ideophonic. Most of the audience was unfamiliar with the sponsor’s band and the band from South Carolina, The Mel Washington Band.

“There was another show tonight, but I wanted to see some new bands, so I came to this one,” said Bianca Ramirez, 17.

The theatre was outfitted with sofas, chairs and tables with candles, giving the large room a smaller, cozy setting for the concert.

Incohero opened the show with a bang, playing a short set and inviting applause from the mostly teenage crowd.

Following the four-piece band was Melissa Carver, whose music matched the chill atmosphere and played “So Pretty Like You” and a tongue-in-cheek song titled “Do You Still Want to Marry Me?” The acoustic solo artist was responsible for a large number of people who attended Thursday night.

“I came out to see Melissa Carver,” said Christina Garza, a University of Texas-Pan American sophomore. “I found her on MySpace.”

The Mel Washington Band livened things up with a few tracks from their MySpace page, then transitioned to a different sound when they played some songs by their other band, All Get Out. They ended their 45-minute set with a medley of covers including Damien Rice’s hit “The Blower’s Daughter”.

Ideophonic took the stage and gave an exciting performance with several of their best-known songs. Chris Coghill then grabbed his guitar and played a few of The Mountain View’s original songs and a cover of John Denver’s “Leaving on a Jet Plane.” The Mountain View is new to the Valley and seemed well received by the audience.

The Apple in the Tree ended the night with an energetic show including several of the band’s songs from the album “Songs I’ll Probably Lose” including “The Comfort”.

One draw to the show may have been the guitar and DVD players being raffled. Coghill had all the bands that played “Rock the Valley” sign the guitar and after The Apple in the Tree’s performance, numbers were drawn and a lucky audience member walked off with the souvenir.

“In spite of the small turnout, I think it was a good show,” Coghill said.

Expect to see Coghill playing more shows in the Valley and promoting another “Rock the Valley” next year.
- The Monitor

After the first annual South Padre International Music Festival made waves last fall, the event’s producers say they’ve drawn big acts and expect bigger crowds, establishing the festival as a formidable musical happening in the Rio Grande Valley and beyond.
According to the festival’s producer Tim Hayden, this year’s musical acts are being brought to the Island by the same people who managed last year’s artists.
“The lineup has the same number of musicians, but it’s twice as big (as last year) in terms of the popularity of the acts,” Hayden said. “These are some of the hottest artists on the planet in their genres right now.”
Indeed, this year’s bands span from the classic country of Willie Nelson to the singular indie duo Ghostland Observatory, from the reggae rhythms of Steelpulse to Del Castillo’s Latin rock fusion.
Hayden said last year’s artists were impressed by the singular setting of the festival.
“It’s not like most festivals, out in a field or stadium,” Hayden said. “This is being out in the ocean breeze with just gorgeous weather, a perfect venue.”
Though most of this year’s performers are from outside of the area, Brownsville’s own Ideophonic will play for the second consecutive year.
“It’s a real big honor to get to represent the Valley,” said lead singer Joey Niño. “It is intimidating — just being in a festival with this caliber of talent. If we can do our best and get the crowd going, it will give us a ton of confidence. We’re hoping to introduce our music to a whole population of new people who would never see us otherwise.”
The festival’s highlights will likely include the headline performance by legendary country singer-songwriter Nelson, and a special Halloween light show by the Austin-based band Ghostland Observatory.
The festival begins on Friday at 4:30 p.m. and will end on Sunday afternoon with a culminating performance by Nelson and Family.
Tickets are $93 for a weekend pass, $53.30 for a single day pass, and can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com.
- Brownsville Herald

UTB/TSC junior art education major Milton Rodriguez recalls how the name of the band Ideophonic came to be.

“Well, I was sick and my throat hurt,” Rodriguez said. “My mom said in Spanish, ‘Te oyes bien afónico.’ And that word fónico [phonic] stayed stuck in my head.”

He then consulted his band mates, and they agreed to be called Ideophonic.

Besides Rodriguez, the Brownsville-based Indie alternative band consists of Joel Niño, a Los Fresnos High School graduate, on lead vocals and bass guitar; Armando Ibarra, a senior business major, on guitar and keyboard; and Alex Escobar, a junior biology major, on guitar.

Influenced by Radiohead, Sigur Ros and Interpol, Ideophonic formed in December 2006. Escobar started playing the guitar at 15, his freshman year in high school. Ibarra started at 18. Niño started playing bass guitar in the seventh grade and Milton got a hold of his first drumsticks when he was just 10.

“I started singing in the shower,” said Niño, when asked about his vocal stylings. “I was never a lead vocalist for any band except Ideophonic.”

Escobar explained how the band was formed.

“Mando and me were in a couple of bands together,” Escobar said. “We tried out many drummers and we ended up choosing Milton. After that, we contacted Joey, our bassist, through MySpace.”

Asked what the band’s music is about, Escobar replied, “Our songs are mainly about … different topics that are happening around the world. ‘Arms Down’ is about no more fighting, no more war.”

The band went on tour in July. They performed in McAllen, Corpus Christi, San Antonio, Austin and Houston.

“It was nothing big, but it was a big step for us as musicians,” Niño said.

The band served as its own manager.

“We had been playing for quite a while already and we really wanted to experience a tour, so we managed the whole thing together,” Ibarra said.

Rutamaya, a coffee shop in San Antonio, was a favorite venue of Ideophonic while on tour.

Niño said their best show was one done right after they got back from tour.

“Christie’s Java Loft, they show us a lot of love,” he said.

Rodriguez and Escobar said their performance at the Java Loft was their best yet.

“We were all satisfied with what we did that night,” Rodriguez said.

The band recently finished a two-day gig at the South Padre Island Music Festival on Nov. 2 and 3.

“I just took a chance and e-mailed the guy in charge of booking,” Ibarra said. “We showed him our MySpace [page], and he liked our music.”

Ideophonic and Hope for the Stars are two bands who played both days of the festival.

“We got to meet Jaguares,” Ibarra said, referring to the popular Mexico City rock band.

Ideophonic usually practices twice a week in Ibarra’s garage.

“We used to practice at a house that was under construction,” he said.

They recorded an extended-play demo composed of seven tracks, including “Haunted Rooms,” the title track, and “The Witness.”

Ideophonic’s EP is available for $5 on MySpace.com through PayPal and also at the band’s shows.

The band hopes to get signed by a major Indie record label and is in the process of writing new material for its next EP.

- The Collegian University of Texas at Brownsville

BROWNSVILLE - The boys of Brownsville’s Ideophonic exemplify a growing trend in the Rio Grande Valley music scene.

Just out of high school, fun loving and fueled by a love of melodic alt rock, the band delivers a loud but catchy wave of guitar-based pop.

Inspired by bands like Interpol and Radiohead, Ideophonic’s songs sound brooding but hummable. The choruses are angsty but catchy. It’s not exactly “easy listening,” but it’s not noise either.

“I think it’s harder to write a good song that isn’t overpowered by distortion or yelling,” said guitarist and keyboard player Armando Ibarra. “It’s more of a challenge for us to make layered, melodic music.”

Ideophonic’s progressive sound landed the band a two-night stint at the recent South Padre International Music Festival.

“It was an honor,” singer-bassist Joey Niño said about representing the Valley at the three-day fest.

The SPI dates weren’t Ideophonic’s first shows for big crowds. Propelled by the self-produced EP “Haunted Rooms,” the band recently wrapped a short tour of the state with other indie bands like Missouri’s The Push and Professor Amsterdam.

“Wherever we went (on the tour) there were cool bands that would take us under their wing,” Niño said. “They’d take us in and welcome us. It was a learning experience.”

On tour the band learned to be aggressive when it came to marketing its music, Niño said. After playing shows, they would work the crowd and make sure people left with their CDs.

“We learned how to be hustlers,” Ibarra, a business major at University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, said.

Ideophonic has come a long way in a short time. The band formed little more than a year ago when Ibarra and guitarist Alex Escobar started writing songs in their bedrooms. Inspired by the catchy, stripped-down sound of an early White Stripes album, the pair started jamming and never stopped.

They found singer Niño while surfing MySpace and nabbed drummer Milton Rodriguez, son of Brownsville lounge singer Jose Luis Rodriguez, to record the short EP.

With the band formed and songs written, it was time to record. All Ideophonic had to do was break into a house.

The band recorded “Haunted Rooms” at a residential construction site in Brownsville. For weeks, after the construction crew called it a day, the band creeped into the half-built home to record all night.

“We had, like, an extension cord and a light bulb, so it was pretty dark and eerie,” Ibarra said about the guerilla recording sessions. “The sound was just so good in there.”

The result of the band’s temporary squatting is a seven-track disk that echoes Ideophonic’s exuberant live sound.

With the EP wrapped, the band is ready to record again.

“Our new songs sound a lot different now” Rodriguez said.

Ibarra agreed.

“We think it’s time to record them and see where it takes us,” he said.

Stream Ideophonic’s songs at www.myspace.com/ideophonicmusic.
- www.thev247.com

The boys of Brownsville’s Ideophonic exemplify a growing trend in the Rio Grande Valley music scene.

Just out of high school, fun loving and fueled by a love of melodic alt rock, the band delivers a loud but catchy wave of guitar-based pop.

Inspired by bands like Interpol and Radiohead, Ideophonic’s songs sound brooding but hummable. The choruses are angsty but catchy. It’s not exactly “easy listening,” but it’s not noise either.

“I think it’s harder to write a good song that isn’t overpowered by distortion or yelling,” said guitarist and keyboard player Armando Ibarra. “It’s more of a challenge for us to make layered, melodic music.”

Ideophonic’s progressive rock landed the band a two-night stint at the recent South Padre International Music Festival.

“It was an honor,” singer-bassist Joey Niño said about representing the Valley at the three-day fest.

The SPI dates weren’t Ideophonic’s first shows for big crowds. Propelled by the self-produced EP “Haunted Rooms,” the band recently wrapped a short tour of the state with other indie bands like Missouri’s The Push and Professor Amsterdam.

“Wherever we went (on the tour) there were cool bands that would take us under their wing,” Niño said. “They’d take us in and welcome us. It was a learning experience.”

On tour the band learned to be aggressive when it came to marketing its music, Niño said.

After playing shows, they would work the crowd and make sure people left with their CDs.

“We learned how to be hustlers,” Ibarra, a business major at University of Texas at Brownsville and Texas Southmost College, said.

Ideophonic has come a long way in a short time. The band formed little more than a year ago when Ibarra and guitarist Alex Escobar started writing songs in their bedrooms. Inspired by the catchy, stripped-down sound of an early White Stripes album, the pair started jamming and never stopped.

They found singer Niño while surfing MySpace and nabbed drummer Milton Rodriguez, son of Brownsville lounge singer Jose Luis Rodriguez, to record the short EP.

With the band formed and songs written, it was time to record. All Ideophonic had to do was break into a house.

The band recorded “Haunted Rooms” at a residential construction site in Brownsville. For weeks, after the construction crew called it a day, the band creeped into the half-built home to record all night.

“We had, like, an extension cord and a light bulb, so it was pretty dark and eerie,” Ibarra said about the guerilla recording sessions. “The sound was just so good in there.”

The result of the band’s temporary squatting is a seven-track disk that echoes Ideophonic’s exuberant live sound.

With the EP wrapped, the band is ready to record again.

“Our new songs sound a lot different now” Rodriguez said.

Ibarra agreed.

“We think it’s time to record them and see where it takes us.”

Submit Slice of Life suggestions to Managing Editor Lucio Castillo or City Editor Charlene Vandini at 430-6244 or charlenev@valleystar.com.
- Valley Morning Star