An early demo of the Shoobies’ song “Astroturf” is a masterful surf-rock instrumental centered around clad-tight rhythmic arrangements. While inspired by the classic sound of The Ventures, Dick Dale and others of the same era, founding frontman/guitarist Jacob Ellzey’s highly reverberated, flawless guitar licks ride the gnarly waves of bassist Alex Vareljian’s and drummer Evan Hildebrand’s otherworldly rhythmic grip.
On “DNA,” another early cut, which Ellzey says will be finalized on more professional equipment before it’s released on the Shoobies’ debut EP sometime in the next few months, is super fuzzed-out melodic garage rock spanning an infinite psychedelic horizon. You can’t make out a single word in the tune except “DNA,” but it doesn’t matter. Ellzey’s vocals are neatly entangled with the surrounding reverberation. The noisy yet mesmerizing chaos recall Oh Sees and The Sonics.
The Ajimas, a Monterey quartet, are new on the scene, but are quickly building a fan base with their island-scented brand of alt-rock. Zealousy is a neo-funk R&B trio out of Salinas, and The Proudest Monkeys, led by multi-talented bassist Trevor Lucier – also the humble organizer of this Guitars Not Guns benefit – are high-energy rock and roll vaudevillians.And on a weird note, singer Nick Stoeberl was recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records as the “Man with the World’s Longest Tongue.”
Additionally, local singer-songwriters Zack Frietas, Joe Scardina and Kenny Chung will perform acoustic solo sets.
Proceeds benefit the Monterey County chapter of Guitars Not Guns, an all-volunteer nonprofit with a mission to get guitars and music lessons to youth ages 8-18. The hope is to divert impressionable youngsters from drugs, alcohol and gang-related activities through focusing on music. Since 2000, the program has given out 1,650 free guitars and provided music lessons at eight locations in Monterey County.
GUITARS NOT GUNS BENEFIT SHOW 6pm (5pm doors) Friday, Feb. 23. Wave Street Studios, 774 Wave St., Monterey. $10. 655-2010.
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