West End

Risen West End

Imagine the Velvet Underground jamming with Uncle Tupelo -- a primitive-style Americana rock with an emphasis on great songs. The West End has influences that cover all the bases. One member digs jam bands. One channels Parliament. One grooves to Keb' Mo' and Green Day. One wants to be Nick Cave. Together they produce a sound they call primitive Americana rock. 'Primitive' as in stripped down. 'Americana' as in hearkening back to the hard-times roots of the land. 'Rock' as in . . . rock. The band was formed when neighbors Mike Shawn, Monique DeFrees and Brad Rourke got together and they felt a musical kinship. The tension -- and overlap -- between all their influences added up to something new. Longtime friend Randall Rose quickly filled out the sound and they began building a dedicated following by playing parties and local events. They broke out in early 2006 and have been performing publicly and consistently ever since. Their live shows are marked by an infectious enthusasm for the music combined with respect for the individual songs. Their rapport with the audience keeps people coming back and their love of the music keeps people wanting more. The West End is: Keyboards: Mike Shawn Drums: Monique DeFrees Guitar & Vocals: Brad Rourke Bass: Randall Rose.