The late '90s in South Florida were a fun time to be part of the punk rock scene. There was a sense of camaraderie and community. Sure there were some meatheads who ruined it every-now-and-again, but overall, everybody got along and a lot of those friendships have continued to this day. One of the better examples of the fun this scene nurtured was Florida's version of England's Eater, the Outrights.
Years later, their singer/guitarist and Broward native Marco Argiro has continued to pursue the muse and has had one of the more varied and geographical careers we can think of. Relocating to Tallahassee after high school and eventually to New York post-graduation, Argiro's been a busy, busy man garnering acclaim with bands like Le Mood and the Killing Floor.
See also: Marco Argiro With Love: "I Had a Handful of Tunes Up My Sleeve"
This year he released a solo album titled Love on his own Outright Rock Records and while a slight, power-pop element remains from former projects, he's tweaked his act into an effort that is a cohesive hodge-podge of post-rock, shoegaze, and psych-touched rock and roll.
It shares the "street-smart electric boogie of Tom Petty and the Kinks." That much can be heard in the music. But the general vibe of "love" in the oeuvre is telling of Argiro's overall attitude of gratitude toward experiences he's had in the music industry. For many who grew up punk rock in South Florida in the '90s, the Ramones' influence is far more telling than the front half of the Lookout! Records catalog, and for Argiro, it was a dream come true when he fronted Marky Ramones' Blitzkrieg band replacing Michale Graves for a 2010 European tour. An envious position.
Joined through the Virginia and Florida legs of the tour by Patrick Bates, Argiro makes a comfortable return to South Florida stages.
"It's been a while since I've played in my hometown, and I can't wait to play these songs that have been inspired by my journey, says Argiro. Bassist Subodh Samudre adds, "It all comes full circle -- we get to play at venues we grew up cutting our teeth as struggling musicians." Armed with material from his solo album as well as from an upcoming EP, Argiro will be looking to reconnect with the land that formed his chops and kindly nurtured him for his then future rock and roll lifestyle.
Marco with Love starts a three-day SoFla journey that will have him rocking the Poorhouse, Radio-Active Records, and Gramps Bar in Wynwood.
Marco with Love with Patrick Bates, 7 p.m., today, Radio-Active Records, 845 N. Federal Hwy, Fort Lauderdale, and tomorrow at 11 p.m., Friday, September 5, at Poorhouse, 110 Nugent Ave., Fort Lauderdale. Both shows are. Call 954-522-5145, or visit poorhousebar.com.
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