Think Pink

Local band Pink Eye packs shows by putting fun back into rock

By Mitchell Peters

Art by John Rios

There are local bands in Fresno that will come and go without anybody ever really noticing.

Pink Eye is not one of them. In the six months they have been playing together, Pink Eye has already proven to be one of Fresno’s major rock bands in the local music scene.

“ Everybody wants to see them because they have a great stage presence,” said Christy Arndt, a Fresno State progressive rock DJ. “They sound like they are actually compatible as musicians.”

Here’s a typical scenario of watching Fresno based “Indie” rock ‘n’ roll band, Pink Eye, play. The first two bands go on stage and put on a pretty good show. People are having a good time, buying a couple drinks, talking to their friends. Pink Eye steps onto the stage, singer Andrew “Bad Andy” Bunnell makes a few sarcastic comments to all the people sitting in the audience, and the band plays their first song. Next thing you know, everyone is crowding the stage dancing to their music.

“ We basically play rock ‘n’ roll music that the girls like to dance to,” said Bad Andy, guitar player and singer for Pink Eye.

This four-piece band (Bad Andy – Guitars/Vocals, Chris Eckes – Lead guitar, Niilo Smeds – Bass, Wade Krause – Drums) does not proclaim to be breaking any new ground within the world of rock ‘n’ roll says Eckes. With musical influences ranging from heavy metal to hip hop to the fabulous world of the ‘80s, Pink Eye’s music can simply be described as music that girls like to dance to and music that boys like to dance to says Arndt.

“ They can’t stop dancing,” Bad Andy said. “A lot of bands around Fresno aren’t fun to dance to, but they’re fun to listen to on a CD at home.”

The band was first formed by Bad Andy (American Sloth, Doctor Rocket and the Moon Patrol) and Eckes (Aqua Marines) after past bands they played in failed to go anywhere. The first formal band practices began in the “loud room” at Guitar Center, where Bad Andy and Eckes would go to exchange ideas.

“ We ditched class to go to Guitar Center a lot,” Bad Andy said.

Since then, Pink Eye has circulated music venues in Fresno such as Tokyo Garden, Starline and even played a friend’s wedding.

Their music is very catchy and sounds similar to that of Weezer and the Pixies. It is rock music, yes, but for some reason it makes your body want to move and dance. When playing in front of a live crowd, their music inspires a “feel good” vibe within that can be compared to listening to bands such as the Beatles and the Beach Boys.

“ Up until now Fresno bands haven’t gotten the clue that you need to play upbeat music so that people will enjoy the show,” Bad Andy said. “A lot of people rely on their friendship of people to come to the shows and listen to the music.”

Although Pink Eye would like to see their band gain some notoriety and success, their main goal is to have fun. They have a laid back attitude toward their music which allows them to have a good time and not take themselves too seriously. With songs focusing on going to the laundry mat, a stripper, hanging out by the river and a girl in the library, their lyrics are simple and not too heavy.

“ It’s just straight forward rock ‘n’ roll,” Eckes said.

Pink Eye is currently working on recording an eight-song untitled demo which should be finished within the next couple months. Their goal within the next six months is to be playing shows up and down California. Their music can be heard at local shows in Fresno or on 90.7 KFSR-FM.

If you go to one of their shows, expect to dance and have a good time. Pink Eye bridges the gap to the point where they can play with almost any genre of rock music says Eckes. With music that puts out a lot of energy and a drummer who used to sell tie-dye T-shirts at Grateful Dead concerts you can’t really go wrong.