ION INDIE MAGAZINE February 2016, Volume 21 | Page 101

Not only did I see them a few times around my regional music scene, I've even shared the bill with them—
twice--and I'd do it again...anytime. When I was the age of the guys in Once Around, I sure thought I knew
everything. I didn't know shit! I judged a lot of things in music on face value. I'd like to go back and kick
my own ass. If it wasn't METALLICA or BLACK SABBATH, it wasn't shit. Some of the artists, songs and
genres that I shamefully mocked, have turn out to be some of my favorite works and performers—JOHNNY
CASH, PRINCE, THE BEATLES--the best of the best! I was such a dumb ass! I didn't find my own music
voice until much later in life after I opened my eyes a little. Old habits are sometimes hard to shed; and
once in a while, I catch myself assuming one thing only to eat my words and get blown away. Early last
year my band, AMERICAN ZER0S, had an EP release show. My drummer, BENNY BOSWELL (aka B-BOZ),
is a complete pro and work-horse and has pretty much assumed the de facto role of band manager until
we fill the position. So, he handles most of the bookings and media for the band. B-Boz booked the EP
release show and filled all of the support slots. One of the bands was Once Around. When I arrived at the
venue I noticed a group of younger guys that were no doubt young rockers. I asked Boz, “What's up with
those kids?” Admittedly, I am for sure not the most organized or punctual guy in the band. So he kinda
laughed at me and was like, “Yeah, that's the band Once Around--trust me, they're good.” Then he
laughed at me some more. Maybe I looked confused? I can tell you one thing--the old me kinda crept in
a little bit. I don't remember thinking anything negative. I trust my band, our duty to our fans and our
reputation in the hands of B-Boz. But, I'm pretty sure I thought something along the lines of “I guess we'll
see”…
I love it when I am wrong. It seems that when I am, those times are the moments that stick out the most—
and in good ways, usually. I wasn't exactly wrong because like I said, I don't remember thinking anything
negative. But then again, I wasn't exactly right either, because to some degree, I was judging a book by
its cover.
Once Around kicked in and pretty much right away there just isn't possibility of doubt. Kids or not, these
guys know what the hell they doing and they are bringing that shit hard and loud--the good shit! It’s
almost as if seeing the questioning look in others that judge them on face value isn't something they
haven't seen before--and from the first 4-click in, they want to give it all they have and make you shove
any doubts where the sun don't shine. Kind of like “You like apples, old man? Well how you like them FN
apples now? BOOM!” HELL YES! I LOVE THAT SHIT! And all I can think is, “Good for you guys, man!
Respect!”
The guys in Once Around are, without question, musically-wise beyond their years. There is nothing
simplistic or cliché about their music. They have some riffs and lines that make me wish I wrote them. For
those of you that have read my articles you already know, I'm all about the riffs. OK, I may be biased, I'm
a lowly rhythm guitarist. All of those hilarious memes on social media posts that poke fun at bass
players…priceless. The truth of the matter is that rhythm guitarists have looked up ten times more noses
then bassists. I've always been drawn to the chord progressions. To me, it’s where the essence of the
music of a Rock song lives. I'm not much of a “noodler”, or a very versatile guitarist for that matter. My
strong suit is writing rhythms and song structures. I kinda study it...it’s my thing. The arrangements of the
songs of Once Around are that of what you would expect from seasoned pros. I've been playing more than
a few decades, and these guys (that are old enough to be my kids) are writing things that make me think,
“Damn, that's better than some of the stuff I've had on TV around the world!” It’s kind of like a