Album Reviews—

Save Ferris’ Ska Punk Dream Becomes A Reality

By Eme Walker

During the mid Nineties, seven musicians from various Orange County ska bands came together with a similar dream in mind: to create a sound that was new and exciting and to leave a dent on the music industry forever. Well wake up, because the members of Save Ferris have made that dream a reality.

Monique Powell, Bill Uechi, Jose Castellanos, Eric Zamora, Brian Mashburn, Evan Kilbourne (who joined later in 1998) and T-Bone Willy teamed up in 1995 to form Save Ferris. With a lead vocalist, bass, trumpet, alto saxophone, guitar, drums and trombone, they wasted no time getting their ska-punk style onto a CD, Introducing Save Ferris.

In 1996, the band returned from New York with a NARAS Grammy Showcase Award for Best Unsigned Band. On top of that, they scored a contract with Epic Records.

Their label release, entitled It Means Everything, was a huge success when released in September 1997. Save Ferris began headlining clubs, opening US tours for Sugar Ray and Reel Big Fish, and in December of 1997, they flew to Japan for the first time to open for The Offspring.

It Means Everything went on to sell 325,000 copies in the US alone. In spring of 1998, the band landed a gig, performing live on HBO’s popular music series, Reverb. Taking the next step up from mere television, Save Ferris watched their song “The World is New” become music for the Tri-Star movie The Big Hit. Then in 2000, they were given a cameo in the hit movie Ten Things I Hate About You.

After performing as a featured band on the 1998 Vans Warped Summer Tour, Save Ferris got started on its third album. The majority of Modified was written in winter of 1998, and was released soon after.

Over the past few years, Save Ferris has kept its edgy and upbeat style. While It Means Everything sounds a little softer than the more recent Modified, the quality remains steadfast.

The punk rhythm of some of their songs such as “The World is New,” off It Means Everything, or “Turn it Up,” from Modified, really let loose with emotion and melody.

On the other end of the music spectrum, the band has written a few softer, smoother tracks to complement the albums, such as “The Only Way To Be,” from Modified, or “Superspy,” from It Means Everything and is also available as a single.

What makes this band so popular is that it appeals to many genres of music lovers. Jazz fans and alternative fanatics will both enjoy the quality sound of Save Ferris.

For more information on the band and tour dates, visit the Web site Saveferris.com.

(Eme Walker is a senior at Newtown High School and a member of the student newspaper, The Hawkeye.)