Gothic Theatre
2Cents
In the early 1980’s, punk rock was still an independent musical entity—underground and not yet tainted by commercialism. Also, heavy metal hadn’t yet had the regretful one-night-stand with rap music—creating the bastard offspring genre known as nü-metal. Since then, the musical landscape has grown increasingly diluted.
Having grown up during the early 80s, the members of 2Cents draw strong musical influences from bands of that era—ranging from the likes of Minor Threat to Pennywise, Slayer to Iron Maiden, and all things in between. 2Cents’ music and live show reflects both the punk rock integrity and the heavy metal seduction from that era.
2Cents formed in Malibu, CA in 1997 around the nucleus of brothers Adam (drums/lead vocals) and Dave (guitar/vocals) O’Rourke . Rounding out the early lineup was bassist Jim Harris. The trio played locally around the LA / Hollywood scene and garnered a small but loyal fan base. 2Cents’ loyal fan base grew even larger after they self released two albums and booked an independent east coast tour in 1999.
In 2001, the members of 2Cents found their brother from another mother in guitarist Dean Woodward. The trio became a four piece and their musical style evolved and matured with the acquisition of bassist Jesse Fishman . 2Cents continued to operate independently and found themselves touring the Southwestern United States on a skate park tour with Volcom Entertainment and the Afroman Skate Team. The band retreated to the studio after the tour ended and produced and self-released their third offering, Victims of Pop Culture .
Internet zine Ink 19 raved over 2Cents’ Victims of Pop Culture , saying, “It’s a tight and energetic set of melodic hardcore in the vein of Strung Out and Glasseater, mixing layers of tight-ass riffs with frenzied melodies and up-and-about self-congratulatory gang fixation.”
In a February 2003 story, the New York Times’ Neal Strauss showcased Malibu’s diverse musical scene and credited 2Cents as being one of the senior bands in Malibu, having even taught the members of other bands how to play their instruments. “(2Cents) have in many ways inspired the current crop of Malibu bands,” the story said.
In March 2003 , 2Cents seized an opportunity to perform at the Vans Warped Tour kickoff party at the Key Club in West Hollywood. After seeing the band perform, Warped head honcho Kevin Lyman was so impressed that he immediately asked the band to join the whole tour, making 2Cents the only unsigned band along for the entire expedition, which is America’s longest-running tour festival.
On the tour, 2Cents played for tens of thousands of new fans, and warmed the stage for many of their heroes, including Pennywise, Rancid, AFI and Thrice . Such an impression was made on tour that Pennywise invited 2Cents to open for them at a sold out record release party at the House of Blues in Anaheim last September. New friends in bands like the Mad Caddies (Fat Wreck Chords) and Pepper (Volcom Entertainment / Law Records) opened doors to subsequent mini-tours with signed bands.
2Cents’ live performance enables them to amass rabid, die-hard fans because they toe the line between amazingly tight playing and hilarious lampoonery. Drummer / lead vocalist Adam O’Rourke’s brain humorously vomits out countless degradations of civility in a comedic bout of Tourretts-like monologues in between songs. The impromptu interludes are sandwiched between songs whose pummeling yet catchy rhythms are matched only by their precision riffage.
Sure, metal bands cover Slayer… But, 2Cents is a punk/metal hybrid with a singing drummer who gallops his way through the intense double bass kicking of Slayer’s “Reign in Blood” while holding down the vocal duties as well. And then he tells jokes that would make Andrew Dice Clay cringe while gasping for a quick breath between songs. After all, people go out to see live music to be entertained, right? Well, count on being entertained when you see 2Cents live.
Back home in Malibu, mega producer David Foster, winner of 14 Grammy awards , signed the band to a one-time production deal with veteran producer Matt Hyde (Slayer, Hatebreed, Sum 41, Perry Farrell, Sublime, No Doubt) at the helm.The result is 2Cents’ latest offering, which the band is using to get gigs, tours, sponsorships, and / or a record deal.
