Local Band Hits Road For Tour

Fin Fang Foom has had a cult following of its eclectic sound -- but the release of the band's first full length LP,Texture, Structure and the Condition of Moods, represents a major stepping stone on a path it has been travelling for a long time.

The band boasts an interesting mix between psychedelic distortion and talented riffs and rhythms. The result is a powerful blow that soothes while simultaneously penetrating, blending in a cool, electronic whirl.

Triplett has been with the group for more than 10 years, watching both the individual members and the band mature. He said everyone is excited because this represents something that the group has wanted to do for a long time. "This album is really important, especially for us," Triplett said. "Having a record with all of our stuff is more important than selling it."

Their "stuff," however it might be described, is above all their own. Sporting a distinctly aural sound, the band stands in a unique field. Triplett, Michael Glass and Edwin Sanchez all gain their individual styles from personal and peer inspiration, Triplett said.

"To be honest, I don't think that any one band or style has really influenced us," he said. "We are three people that play rather awkwardly coming together in a balanced medium."

Though the blending of their instruments seems flawless, the production of the album didn't go entirely smoothly. In addition to only having one short week to pump out the 10 songs, Fin Fang Foom encountered a few snags in the studio.

"At one point the main AC in the recording studio broke so we were all basically sitting around in our underwear putting this thing together," he said. "I actually wanted to go out and buy a bunch of Speedos for us all to record in."

Along with the release of the album, Fin Fang Foom is touring the entire east coast, with a Sunday stop at Go! Rehearsal Studios in Chapel Hill. The band views this tour as more of a way to meet new and interesting people while trying to spread its sound.

In spite of all of the great experiences, the road has begun to wear upon Triplett. Between driving for hours, sleeping in the van and playing a show every night, Triplett looks forward to returning home.

"This one guy's house that we stayed at in Columbus, Ohio, was disgusting. It was so filthy that you had to wipe your feet off on the way out." Triplett said. "There were TV dinners and bowls of cereal that had been there for months. Needless to say I slept in the van again that night ... I miss my bed."

With its first full length LP just released and a month long, grueling tour under way, the band has faced many trials. But Triplett is still proud to say that the entire experience has not deterred the band's goals or changed the members in any negative way.

"I don't really think that this has changed anything," Triplett said. "In fact, I think it has brought us closer together, made us even more focused."

A long standing band that is finally getting the attention it deserves, Fin Fang Foom is still focused on the important elements.

"Our main goal is just to survive," Triplett said. "We want to just keep making music, meeting people and having fun."

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.