The Jameses, a three-piece ambient punk-pop band from West Palm Beach, has existed in its current incarnation only since January. The members, all now in their late 20s, have played together in various punk projects on and off since their early teens. Earlier this year, guitarist Jesse Bryan became so impressed by his childhood friends' musical project that he left New York City, his home of five years, to move back here and contribute.
For two years, the band had been a two-man project featuring synth player/guitarist/vocalist Dan "James" McHugh, also known as "Big Man," and drummer/vocalist Danny "James" Hitchcock — yes, the project's two members' middle names. The small band compensates for few players with pedal-triggered samples, operated by Bryan, and a delay on McHugh's vocals that create a huge live sound.
The threesome's first seven-inch, which features the danceable "The Haunted Rider" and the mellow pop song "Rat People," is just in, and Friday will be the first time the Jameses will attempt to play "Rat People" live. For a chiller side of the Jameses, check out the song "Gobi Desert" on MySpace.
The Jameses aim to be a serious touring band out of South Florida. They're currently working on recording an album. In July, they will hit the road with Miami band Lil' Daggers, and they're looking to line up dates for an August tour with Lake Worth foursome Guy Harvey.
