The Indio Bait

The Players: Mark Owens, vo-cals, guitar; Mark Phillips, guitars; Tim Richards, bass; Covey Christiansen, drums.

Material: With straight-up, no frills, guitar-driven rock & roll, the Indio Bait could pass for an updated version of the Ventures. Like that popular 60’s act, whose hit song was “Walk Don’t Run,” this group also pays close attention to precise guitar work, featuring highly skilled players. The songs are not instrumental, like the Ventures’ material, but they do have a similar quality and regard for simplicity (in a good way), and strong ar-rangements.

Musicianship: These players are seasoned pros. As a result, the songs come across very strong and powerful in their intensity. Owens and Phillips are especially complementary. And, Richards and Christiansen lay a foundation for them admirably. As a group, it seems as if these musicians have been playing together all of their lives.

Performance: Just watching players of this caliber was a treat. And, the onstage chemistry and camaraderie was outstanding. For the most part, this act let their music do the talking and, rare as it is, it was enough. When they played, people listened.

Summary: The Indio Bait are a cut above the other acts in their genre. The group’s style, songs and image come off as simple, but classy. This act is a refreshing change from a lot of the bands that play the Los Angeles-area club circuit. Anyone looking for a change of pace wouldn’t be disappointed.

––Bernard Baur, Los Angeles

Contact: rock@theindiobait.com
Web: www.theindiobait.com - Music Connection Magazine, March 16, 2007