The Refuzniks
Modesto, California, United States | SELF
Music
Press
BACKSTORY: The Refuzniks describe themselves as sci-fi enthusiasts, English snobs, culinary experts and computer nerds. Devon and Shawn found each other while Dumpster diving behind Goodwill; Chef and Steve joined later. The band has performed at many Modesto-area venues, including the Queen Bean, the Other Place, The Spinnaker and the Fat Cat Music House & Lounge. The Refuzniks won this year's Modesto Area Music Association Award for P3 (Power-Punk-Pop) and finished third out of 20 groups in this year's Beadles Battle of the Bands in Modesto and Lodi."
Lisa Renner - The Modesto Bee
- The Modesto Bee
Discography
Sooned to be released untitled EP
Photos
Bio
Inspired by genre-defying badasses like The Reverend Horton Heat, Hank III and Th’ Legendary Shack Shakers, accomplished Modesto-based singer/lead guitarist Devon Boyd set out in 2008 to create rockin, roots-based music that would get fans off their asses and out to have a great time. So he enlisted Shawn English to jump in on guitar and they started The Refuzniks with a lineup of solid local talent. After a short while, lady luck allowed the band to score upright bass player Chef Keith Breedlove. Chef brought the magic that injected their garage-inspired originals with raucous standup bass madness (and a penchant for having a blast on stage).
The Refuzniks then took California’s Central Valley by storm. The squall started by placing 3rd out of 20 in the Beadles Battle of the Bands and was followed up by taking home a 2010 Modesto Area Music Award. Then the drummer left. By chance, Steve Maddog Manson had just moved back from Phoenix. In the midst of a 2-week spell of auditions, Manson’s rip-roarin, punk and gospel-laced drumming was just what the doctor ordered. Remaining auditions were cancelled the next day. In the end of 2010, Shawn had to step down. Nonetheless, the Refuzniks marched on and enlisted the intoxicating voices and hip-shakin moves of the talented Tess Boyd and Shelly Sinn, reinforcing The Refuzniks' position as a band fans can’t get enough of every time they play.
Since, The Refuzniks have been keeping a robust tour schedule throughout Northern and Central CA, leaving it all on the stage at every show. Not limited by genre, they’ve played with many killer acts - from kindred souls The Chop Tops, Joe Buck (from Hank III) and Devil’s Brigade (w/ Matt Freeman of Rancid), to popular blues/rock acts John Popper and Lance Lopez, and even Death Metal guys! With every blistering performance, The Refuzniks continue to earn new fans. Check in for show info, merch, and news, and stay tuned for info on the band's upcoming debut CD!
Links
