Gothic Theatre
dirtnap
If asked, Dirtnap’s vocalist Legarda would say “Our music is not innovative, yet it’s fresh and extremely heavy.”
Call it groove, call it heavy, hell, call it both. The distinct hard-core chaotic mass of energy known as Dirtnap has arrived! The Colorado Springs, Colorado quintet; Mark Peters (guitar), Adam Cordova (guitar), Ryan (bass), Brad Sinde (drums), and Fred Legarda (vocals), have been causing a scene in the Colorado Springs area for the past four years.
Dirtnap, named after a slang motorcross term, has been a thorn piercing the local music scene since 1998 despite changes in the bands lineup. Peter’s a construction company owner started Dirtnap as a weekend warrior group to unwind from the pressures of work. Though it later became very apparent that it could and would become a full-time effort. “We started playing local parties and small shows wherever we could. The crowds response was so overwhelming that , inevitably, we began playing more and more shows and before I knew it, we had quite a following.” says Peters.
Dirtnap has shared the spotlight with such bands as 40 GRIT, MONSTER MAGNET, SKRAPE, PAPA ROACH, and held a slot at the MILWAUKEE METALFEST. “We’ve played over 300 shows since 1998, and the fan base has grown so much it’s almost unbelievable.” Sinde says.
Consequently, in early 2000 Dirtnap released a ten-song effort entitled “Bastard”. It was well received by vendors and fans selling over one thousand copies within a three-month period. Although “Bastard” was widely appreciated, the best was yet to come from Dirtnap. In June of 2001 Dirtnap endured a lineup change that reinvented their sound and performance for the better. This change entailed the addition of seven string guitars, mesmerizing drop-B tuning, Sinde’s new found mechanical battery and the addition of Legarda’s multidimensional vocal assault. With Dirtnap’s new sound intact, the band astonished both fans old and new.
With their high-energy stage performance, Dirtnap forces it’s listener to get up and join in the energy. After a show at the Colorado Springs Music Hall in 2001, Brent Hatcher, a local radio DJ (KILO 94.3 FM), made this comment about Dirtnap, “Their performance is the most energetic that I’ve seen in years.”
In February of 2002,Dirtnap produced a seven-song “demo”. It contained newer material that emulated a more brutal, more modern approach. The “demo” include such tracks as “Illustrious” a song that intensely embodies individuality , grief, and acceptance. “Reborn” another track on the “demo”, contains catchy hooks and rhythms to match. This track , a more personal one for Legarda, contradicts itself with driving lyrics, “…it’s bright, the chrome on your knife…” referring to the backstabbing that occurs when a person decides to live his life for himself. Another hard-hitting track on the “demo” is “Existence” in which Legarda speaks of how many people live to please others and a true existence never acknowledged or known.
Dirtnap’s plans for the near future include a full length CD with approximately fifteen tracks and a small independent tour. “We want to bring our music to a wider spectrum of people so that it can be appreciated and absorbed nation-wide.”
“If you like your music heavy, raw & thrashy, DIRTNAP is your band. Formed in 1999, the group uses words like “modern” and “innovative” to describe its style of metal. While not as crazy as fellow Coloradoans, CEPHALIC CARNAGE. DIRTNAP’s pissed off vocals, grinding intensity, and obvious love of weed are sometimes reminiscent. Interesting musical twists, like the high-frequency sonar pings and bass intro on “Pigs,” are complimented by some of the most intelligent lyrics on the scene today. With Iraq in the news, singer Fred Legarda screams, “It’s on now, it’s war now, let’s make something out of nothing.” This is a band who obviously thinks a song should have meaning. And don’t miss their impressive BRUJERIA cover, a hidden bonus track. After four years, 150 shows and now this satisfying disc under their belt, DIRTNAP seems ready to break out.
—Jon “K” Konjoyan
Pit Magazine, Spring 2003, Vol. No. 42
