'Permakids,' 'Univac' offer double feature for aficionados

by Heather Daniel, co-news editor

A couple of weekends ago, I ventured over to my favorite local bar to see the-oh-so-brilliant band Muchos Backflips, but what I have stumbled into I wasn’t at all prepared for.

Along with Muchos Backflips came another band from Austin called Permakids.  Members of this band include: Jason Amador, guitar and lead vocals; Ricky Sullivan, drums; Brendan Vlas, bass; and Casey Clemmons on the keyboard.

I have to admit that when I first heard the name of the band and saw that they had a keyboardist, I was expecting some new-age psychedelic hippie jam band.  However, they delightfully calmed my fears by being nothing of the sort.

I was curious about the band name and if they had ever been judged because of it, and the guys explained that the band definitely has been misjudged. One bar almost refused to have them play just because of their name alone, a name that came from nothing more than a cat they once found or had.

Most of the band members have been playing music individually for 10 years, though they have been playing together for three years. This is a band that has been formally trained, loves feedback from the audience, struggles to get recognition (not that it isn’t deserved) and thinks that Iron Maiden may have been the founders of heavy metal. Actually they debated that question for a few minutes, and I think someone said something about Elvis Presley. But for the sake of an answer, they went with Iron Maiden.

Imagine my surprise when I found out that they have more than one band. Same guys, two very different bands. It’s like the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde of music. And in all actuality, the list of projects that these guys are involved in just keeps on going. It blows my mind.

Let’s start with side A, Permakids. The music is somewhat hard to pinpoint. It sounds like an amalgamation of jazz, rock and country, with a hint of circus music. The vocals in this band are dexterous and clear.

 I really appreciate the fact that their songs have elements to them instead of using the same dynamic throughout the entire set. My favorite song would probably have to be “Far Enough.” Some of the lyrics are clever, but I’m not too sure what it’s actually about, a fight maybe? Nevertheless, I really enjoyed the set, and I hope they find a way back to Lubbock soon. I give them three out of five stars.

Let’s talk about side B, Univac. Finding this band was like finding that wadded up $20 in the old purse I hadn’t used since last December, a happy surprise.

I was astonished that the band can go from a jazz/rock combination to a fusion of happy electronica and hip-hop. But I don’t really need an explanation, because I love it.  This music is clever and easy to listen to. With lyrics such as “help me pretend as I feed you with chemicals and I fix you with surgery dress you up and murder you,” what else could you possibly need? Seriously, just check it out. I give Univac four out of five stars.

You can check these bands out at www.myspace.com/permakids and www.myspace.com/univac.