American Bang

What? With fun-lovin' boogie-down guitars and lyrics recalling trailer park tales of fast women and booze-soaked romps, at first glance Nashville, TN's American Bang recall a certain family of Followills. But with speed-fueled punk urgency and a smorgasbord of rock influences in the fine print, American Bang plow over references with conviction. And their latest offering, the four-track EP Move to the Music, is a testament to the quartet's staying power, notably with the title track's searing, arena-filling riffage. And there's more to come: American Bang's yet-to-be titled debut full-length, produced by James Michael (Hole, L7), will arrive this summer.

Who? American Bang are four high-school friends from Nashville, TN -- Jaren Johnston (vocals/guitar
), Ben Brown (guitar), 
Kelby Ray (bass
), and Neil Mason (drums) -- that formed in June 2005 under the leadership of Johnston after their respective bands split. Catch American Bang's set at Coachella this Friday, April 25.

Fun Fact: While most bands hit a dark bar, a grungy house party, or an off-the-map coffee shop for their opening performance, American Bang's live debut was slightly more substantial -- a gig opening for O.A.R. to a roaring crowd at the legendary Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, the original site of the Grand Ole Opry.

Now Here This: "Move to the Music" (DOWNLOAD MP3)