By Lisa Morgan
It was March 1, 2013. I was new to writing music articles for CV Weekly, but not new to the music industry. New to the desert was this power trio who had just added a new bass player. The band, The Rebel Noise automatically had my interest with their ballsy chick drummer, who happened to be a total sweetheart to talk to and sounded like a machine on the recordings I’d heard. But, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. So I walked into the Red Barn, alone and awkward my first time there, and there they were. I remember the feeling I had the second I heard their music. My heart literally skipped. I was hearing a fresh sound for the desert with fusing influences of some of my favorite contemporary rock and roll makers. While still very much themselves, I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to White Stripes, then The Killers and Black Keys. Frontman, Leo Rodriguez’s powerful, haunting, emotional vocals gave them an alt/rock contemporary edge atop their wide range of contemporary and roots rock influences from Led Zeppelin to Foo Fighters. Collin Pintor played some tasty lead guitar, and Ashley Pintor on drums was everything I hoped she’d be and more. Originally from the Central Coast of California, I was so glad they’d come to town. One year later, they played both nights of the AMFM Festival and it was clear – this band belonged on a big venue stage with big sound. They were brilliant.
This Saturday night, The Rebel Noise returns from a 3 month sabbatical, to Schmidy’s Tavern in Palm Desert. As they do, you’ll notice some changes. It would seem that the bass player position in the band has been the toughest to maintain, having gone through two in two years. Well, not anymore. If you know Ashley and Collin Pintor, (sister and brother/drummer and lead guitar player), then you know of their love for Leo Rodriguez. They are a unit. They are a solid family unit. It makes sense that Rodriguez, vocalist and 2nd guitar for the band would take command of the situation. For the first time, with 5 brand new songs, this power trio will be stronger and more solid than ever with Rodriguez on bass.
The Rebel Noise has always made their music insatiably energetic, relatable and real. And Saturday night, they will be sharing music that is all those things and more. Their closing song will be one that Rodriguez wrote about his mother, who he lost way too soon only four months ago. Expect this to be a powerful moment. It’s well known that musician’s work out their emotions through their music. But sometimes, when they’re brave enough and open enough, they let us work it out right there with them.
26 years
“Hear me now I’m crying for you
26 years now gone to soon
I remember the times we used to share
Looking in the mirror doing your hair
I’ll never forget the day I heard
You were gone without last words
I’m full of anger and rage inside
I’ll never forget the day you died”
“Been 4 months since I last saw you
Not a day goes by I don’t think of you
I miss your touch the hugs you gave
You taught me to always be brave
I’ll never forget the day I heard
You were gone without last words
I’m full of anger and rage inside
I’ll never forget the day you died”
The Rebel Noise will be joined by The Brosquitos, Wayward Sirens and Spankshaft for a night of pre-St. Patty’s day shenanigans. The show is all ages until 10pm, 21 and over until closing. Schmidy’s Tavern is located on the corner of Fred Waring Drive and Highway 111 next to Men’s Warehouse.
Follow The Rebel Noise on Facebook www.facebook.com/The.Rebel.Noise
