Artist Profile:BOB

One way that you can tell that you've got a great band right in front of you is when you are forced to describe them and you can only describe them in one word: amazing. That is the word that best describes 'bob.' They're a rock/alternative band of four guys from the D.C. area with a massive underground following. They work hard for everything that they get, and they make sure to give that back to their family, friends and fans (who are also their friends as well) in the form of earth-shattering live performances. They also offer very personable pre-show conversation as well as very humble post-show showings of gratitude toward their fans.

Going through their blog posts on their MySpace site (www.myspace.com/bobband), it is evident that they are a band that's all about their fans. Before and after shows you can find bob selling merchandise and then offering to sign the merchandise for their fans. All of the money that comes from the fans ultimately goes toward everything from gas in the van to get from show to show, all the way to the money that goes into recording the new record that new and old fans alike will love. In today's record industry, it's hard to find some alternative/rock groups who haven't sold out or changed themselves to the point of losing their fan base. They have not lost their fan base, as seen when a few fans have been interviewed.

One of their tattoo artists lost touch with the band over the course of a couple of years, but his words on their progress were: "I saw them for the first time in over two years; it was like I never missed a beat. The band has progressed immensely in every way since the last time I saw them, and yet they are still humble, down-to-earth guys, who appreciate their fans more than any other band I have ever met." That is probably the best way to sum them up. They have only expanded on their fan base over the years, and their shows are for all ages, so everyone can go - and there's no bad music that comes from bob. Any first time bob-showgoer will not be let down.

The guys themselves are intensely focused, talented and kind guys. Guitarist Adam Smith is a beast on stage. Bassist Carl Schmieg is an intense rumbling ball of fire that comes from his soul, to his fingertips, through his bass, and steamrolls over the audience. Drummer Drew Recny has an untapped source of energy that never ceases to amaze fans every show no matter where he is. Lead front man Matt Santoro is a powerhouse who provides hardcore energy for days, stamina, artist-crowd interaction, and everything that a concertgoer could look for in a front man. One could go to every concert that they have (if it were possible) and enjoy every show from beginning to end and remember it for all the days in between shows.

Their latest CD is called bbbob, which features 11 emotionally-charged and adrenaline-packed tracks good for any occasion. When you're doing your laundry, you can listen to bob. When you're dropping your kids off at school, you can listen to bob. When you're on your way to school and you're having a hard time waking up for your first class, you can listen to bob. It's a multipurpose CD that many of their fans have loved. After their Halloween show at Jammin Java in Vienna, Va., they are off to Los Angeles to start recording their new album, which will be released in early 2010. I recommend going to their shows and buying their CDs and shirts and enjoying all that they have to offer. Their next show is on November 20, at Somewhere Else Tavern in Greensboro with The Five L's, so check them out and you won't be disappointed!