Spreading the Rumor

Kevin Wierzbicki, Campus Circle

"We're just playing guitar and playing organ. If we see anyone shooting pellet guns, we'll stop them." It must be the showman in Before Braille lead guitarist Dave Jensen that allows him to keep a straight face when the cops come knocking. Only moments earlier, he and drummer Kelly Reed had been standing in the driveway taking turns bouncing BBs off a nearby Stop sign and a Neighborhood Watch sign. Only one neighbor was watching, but that was enough to get the boys in blue to issue a warning to the musicians-turned-marksmen. Before Braille certainly don't mind being watched, but right now they would prefer that you listen.

It wasn't that long ago that the youth of the sleepy bedroom community of Mesa, Arizona had to amuse themselves with standard teenage pranks. But lately the town, just east of Phoenix and known primarily for its large population of retirees, is more likely to echo with muffled rimshots than muzzled gunshots. With emo titans Jimmy Eat World leading the way, Mesa now officially has a "scene" that includes Authority Zero and currently focuses on Before Braille. The band has been featured on various compilation albums, including The Emo Diaries on Deep Elm. Their latest full-length release, The Rumor, on Aezra Records (Robin Trower, Toadies, Sera) is giving the band the chance to define their sound, which goes well beyond what some have dubbed "480 area-core" after the local telephone area code. Jimmy hasn't eaten the whole world yet, and it's fun to hear Before Braille expand the buffet. When the band lines up to tie on the feedbag, expect some plates of U2 to be served up with a little Coldplay, some Rush on the side and Yes for dessert. Jensen even conjures up memories of the golden voice of Yes singer Jon Anderson at times. On the disc's opener, "Prelude: Secret No. 7," Jensen saves the vocals for the song's last thirty seconds, building to a crescendo in a Pink Floyd groove. Clearly these guys have listened to their parents' record collection, as well as the Green Day clones that clog alternative radio. Only the really lucky will appreciate this reference, but here goes anyway: Dave Jensen has inherited the voice and pop songwriting genius of Jules Shear. Maybe we should just call it "480 area-core."

"It's like pulling your pants down on stage. You better know what you're doing." Those words of experience came from Before Braille manager David Ellefson as he prepared the band for an acoustic in-store appearance. The guys pulled off the acoustic gig to a packed, cheering and CD-buying crowd, so no worries for Ellefson. The longtime guitarist for heavy metal gods Megadeth mingled with the crowd unrecognized, having the wisdom to let the spotlight shine on his new clients. Ellefson, also a Phoenix area resident, came on board after the completion of The Rumor. Concertgoers should not expect Ellefson to jump on stage to jam; he won't be on the road this time. "We're working on about an eight-week tour," says Reed. "Everyday we'll be playing somewhere, except for Sundays. I haven't really been anywhere, so I'm really looking forward to this. We're going to rent a fifteen-passenger van and we'll be pulling a trailer for our equipment. I think we're really, really lucky to have David Ellefson. He saw us play a few times and approached us and asked us if he could be our manager and we're really happy with the decision. He's done so much for us in only two months," adds the drummer. While there may be a little elbow room in the van, the trailer will no doubt be packed, thanks in part to Reed's drum kit. While not large in size, it allows Kelly to produce a big, crystal clear sound. "I did a little investigating before I bought a drum set. I was approved for a small loan, so I decided to go all out for it. They're called Noble & Cooley drums and they're hand made back east somewhere, I don't know where. They have some factory in the forest. I had to put in my order and it took them about six months to make it, and ever since then I've just been adding on to it a little bit here and there," says Reed. That factory in the forest has a history that goes all the way back to making marching drums for the Union army during the Civil War. More recently their instruments have been touted by Keith Foster of Full Devil Jacket, and Jim Rupp, who pounds out the beat for The Woody Herman Orchestra. So Reed can be proud to be one of the proud, the few, the percussively gifted.

Before Braille is rounded out with guitarist Hans Ringger, bass man Brandon Smith and guitarist Rajiv "Reggie" Patel. Patel is new to the band, having played on one cut on The Rumor. Raj may be the new guy, but the ladies are already fighting in the chat rooms as to whether or not he's the cutest band member. He definitely has the most expansive (okay, the only) afro. Closer to home, Before Braille are appreciative of the support of their adoring families, and hopefully won't lose sight of that. Says Reed's mom, Jody, "I hope he calls home once a week. But I doubt it."