Jun 8, 2007

Families that play together stay together

Band of brothers takes stage at hot summer concert

By Bernadette Harris / Staff Writer

When Bay Area band Scissors for Lefty played their first show in San Luis Obispo, lead singer Bryan Garza convinced his band mates, brothers Peter and James Krimmel, to back him as he let the lyrics "come to him."

The charisma Garza exudes in live performances is obviously not a put-on, because the brothers were not only onboard, but enthusiastic about his approach. Hundreds of strangers and supportive friends watched Garza lie on the stage, mumbling nonsense into the microphone, as Scissors for Lefty began a set that would be the turning point for the band.

Did they jump town? Start over?

Did they really want to be a rock band?

With a little encouragement from friends who didn't shy away from the "train wreck," as Garza describes that first show, Scissors for Lefty got past that moment. But the guys have maintained an element of unpredictability.

In the past five years, Scissors for Lefty has added a couple more relatives to the lineup: Garza's brother, bassist Steve Garza, and uncle, guitarist/bassist Randy Garza.

Born in Mountain View, Garza, a self-described "California-suburban mutt," has lived all over the Bay Area, from as far north as Sacramento to San Luis Obispo, where Garza met Peter and James Krimmel while attending college at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Robby grew up close by in San Bruno.

When they're not touring, Garza lives in San Francisco with his brother Steve, who joined the band and started playing bass in October 2006 so Robby could spend more time playing guitar.

Adding a professional relationship to their sibling relationship has tightened the familial bond. Garza says there's an unspoken language that exists within the band, especially between brothers Peter and James, who work fluidly on stage.

Of course, it's not perfect. "Anyone who tells you it's all great hasn't been doing it long, or they're giving you bulls---," Garza laughed.

They're set for the release of their first label-backed album, "Underhanded Romance," on June 12, and on Saturday, Scissors for Lefty will open the main stage of Live 105's BFD music festival.

"Underhanded Romance" successfully captures Scissors for Lefty's exuberant appreciation of life. Garza said the album is a tribute to the new adventures the band has stumbled across.

In the rocky aftermath of college graduation, settling down and starting careers, the band encountered people who brought out the best in them. "Underhanded Romance" reflects that.

When Rough Trade Records (which will release "Underhanded Romance" in Britain later this year) came knocking, wanting to record an album with the band, Scissors for Lefty dropped everything, but asked to first be allowed a month to write.

"We didn't want to get tired of the songs if (they become) hits," Garza said.

Recording the album seemed like a heartbeat to Garza, in comparison to the band's self-released debut, "Bruno," which the band recorded during free time between college finals and day jobs.

"I was surprised at how fast we moved and how polished it sounds," Garza said of the new record, adding that the band had been stumbling through the concept that they could write songs while working on their debut album.

"We consider ('Bruno') the B-side complement to 'Underhanded Romance,'" he said.

Along with the celebration of the upcoming album, the group is excited to perform on the BFD main stage. For their set, Scissors for Lefty envisions a turn-of-the-century theme, complete with bloomers and color-coordinated ensembles. Mom and Dad Garza, who are big supporters, along with 10 fans, will join the band on stage.

And as always, Scissors for Lefty should be making an impulsive and spontaneous go of it at Shoreline Amphitheatre this weekend, keeping it entertaining for those who have seen them before.

"Why do a regular show in your hometown?" Garza said.