Back in 2011, Ben Rosett and Zachary Garren got together because they “just wanted to write cool songs,” according to the former. Rosett is a drummer while Garren plays guitar, focusing on instrumentals. After a positive response to their performances, they added Ian Jennings on bass and Strawberry Girls was formed.
It’s a band that “dabbles in prog,” Garren says. “It’s high energy and not repetitive. Our music takes you on a journey.”
And the past decade has been a trip. The band played in and around Salinas for a few years, enjoying strong support, until a sudden move by Rosett to the Pacific Northwest in 2018. Rather than dissolve, five albums and 12 years of touring have transpired since forming.
But this year is different. Jennings is taking time off to focus on college studies. In his place is Alec James, who fits right in with the trio’s vibe. And the band is coming home. It has been eight years since their last Salinas performance.
For Strawberry Girls, lyrics interfere with a listener’s feel for the music. And their compositions reflect this ethic.
Take a fan favorite, “Spanish Bay,” which is an energetic song that has been on their set list for 10 years. The song kicks off with a catchy guitar riff, then comes the bassline: two higher notes, followed by two deeper ones. The drums are minimal at first.
The song builds up momentum. The guitar grows more expressive and intricate and now the bass is supporting the “singing” notes, rather than responding like before. After two minutes, the riff from the intro is repeated, this time more powerfully, layered with fuller drums.
Despite their technical skill, they come across as regular guys making music. There’s no showboating – every note serves a purpose. Music aficionados will find their performance intriguing because of their inventive rhythms and unconventional song structure. But the casual listener will also appreciate the catchy hooks and high-energy stage presence.
Garren explains that a lot of people who’ve never heard them have a “really cool genuine reaction” with comments like, ‘I wasn’t expecting that’ or ‘That was insane.’
They hope to introduce a few new fans to what can be done with instruments alone.
STRAWBERRY GIRLS play 8pm Thursday, May 22. Live@Heirloom Pizza, 344 Main St., Salinas. $15. 998-8824, heirloompizzapie.com
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