The Bear & The Bugs

With the Fresno music scene on everyone's radar, local bands Japandabear and The Insects try to make their name with a double dose of rock at The Starline

By Mitchell Peters

Think back about 13 years ago when bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden were exploding out of that northwestern city in Washington State. Flannel was being worn, jeans were being ripped and washing your hair was out of the question. “Smells Like Teen Spirit” was everybody’s favorite song and the sounds of Seattle could not be avoided.

Fresno could be the next Seattle, minus the yuppies and high suicide rate.

More than a decade later, music fans eagerly await the next phenomenon in rock. Their wait is finally over. Luckily, seekers of good music don’t have to look any farther than their own backyard.

With the East Coast “garage rock” explosion fading quickly into the Manhattan skyline and bands like Kid Rock and Creed taking center-stage, the musical world is hungry for something fresh.

New Fresno bands are feeding that insatiable hunger.

“ It’s the best it’s ever been,” said James Z, a local singer/songwriter, “and it’s getting even better.”

As the number of bands continues to grow in the area, two bands in particular stand out among the hot new acts to be on the lookout for. The Insects and Japandabear are paying their dues in local venues, and playing shows that entertain and mystify all audience members lucky enough to witness their music in action.

The Insects are perhaps the most unique and mysterious band the Central Valley has ever spawned. Their music is spooky, goofy and enigmatic all at the same time. With songs like “I want to Kill Ronald McDonald,” “Twisted Girl” and “Big Fat Bean,” it is no wonder why so many have become enthralled with the musical spectacle of The Insects.

“ They’re a breath of fresh air,” said Christy Arndt, a DJ at 90.7 KFSR-FM who gets frequent requests for the music of The Insects. “It sounds so weird, it’s not like any band in Fresno.”

With their debut in Fresno only a couple months ago, the Lemoore/Hanford band has created a loyal following that curiously await each upcoming show. A friend of the band, Guido, who also carries the title of the Mantis, is the driving force and inspiration behind the band. He isn’t a key member of The Insects, but has been known to sing a few songs with the band and run around during performances wearing a werewolf costume while holding a pitcher of beer.

“ He’s a power too great to harness,” said Travis Soward (the Wasp), drummer for The Insects. “He has this crazy, unpredictable, obnoxious energy that creates the force and spirit of the band.”

Along with their obscure crowd interactions and humorous insect personifications, the band’s music supports their image. Mark Stacy (singer/guitarist), better known as the Weevil, is the hidden talent behind The Insects guitar and keyboard driven music. His actions on stage are very subtle and difficult to interpret, which only add to the mystery of the live shows.

With influences ranging from The Beatles to Sonic Youth, The Insects create a sound that no other Fresno band has ever attempted.

“ It’s weird because they’re not a product of any other scene,” Arndt said. “They’re doing their own thing.”

With only one recorded album, Stacy leaves open any possibility for the future sound of The Insects that will surely keep fans on their six legs.

“ It could end up getting a little bit weirder,” Stacy said.

Along with The Insects, Fresno rockers, Japandabear, have been successful in captivating local audiences. While resurfacing remnants of three chord punk-rock progressions, Japandabear has beautifully orchestrated a grungy sound with the perfect twist of punk influence.

Japandabear is a three-piece band that takes the simple approach to music that worked so well with bands like Sex Pistols and Nirvana—a few bar chords and good melodies. The singer/songwriter of the band, Matt Smith, dominates the stage with his height, and charms the audience with his Buddy Holly-like appearance.

“ I write songy songs,” Smith said. “I like the way I make music move.”

The band was conceived in November 2001 when Smith attended weekly jam nights at The Starline in Fresno’s Tower District. At the time he was still playing in his old band, Bigfoot was a Peeping Tom. During one of the frequently over-packed jam night, Smith was approached by Japandabear’s future drummer. The rest was history.

After going through several band names, Smith decided on Japandabear after an interesting night in Flagstaff, Ariz. where he was kidnapped by some local indie kids after a Brian Jonestown Massacre concert, and introduced to another band called Japanther, he said.

“ It was kind of like paying homage to Japanther,” Smith said. “They’re so good.”

In between drinking coffee and smoking cigarettes, Smith and Japandabear play music and write songs, while dreaming of ways to make music that will hopefully take them on tour soon. The trio is in the process of recording their first record which will feature about eight new songs. Along with their band, members are also involved with other musical side projects with other Fresno musicians.

Music from The Insects and Japandabear, along with other local Fresno bands like Pink Eye, Bel and the Dragon, The Sleepover Disaster, The Soma Holidays and Needy Eevy can regularly be heard on Fresno State’s radio station 90.7 KFSR-FM.