Thursday, March 23, 2006

ph8 takes 'Bold' step with new CD

POLLY HIGGINS

Tucson Citizen

Local bands come and local bands go, so when one manages to hold it together for more than seven years, we tend to take notice.

Hard rock quartet ph8 (pronounced "fate," if you would) has gone through some lineup changes over the years - Spinal Tap would be proud that the band is on its third drummer - but has kept focus and drive in check to record "Fortune Favors the Bold." The band's second full-length CD features the lineup that has been in place for the last four years and is proudly presented in a release party Saturday at the Rialto Theatre.

Plus, the one-time six-piece - yes, sometimes three guitars are the best way to go, sometimes not - still features three original members, with singer Marcus Davis, guitarist Fernando Rivas and bassist Andy Pyle.

The group filmed a free concert at The Rock for a DVD, which should be out this summer.

The band's melodic tunes venture from rock to metal, opening up space for fans of various ilk. You'll get your occasional monster growls, but, more often, singer Davis favors a good ol' catchy vocal line. A la Disturbed, ph8 favors midtempo songs but doesn't shy away from chunky guitar riffs.

We caught up with drummer Michael Hummer to answer our burning questions.

Tucson Citizen: Who recorded the new album?

Michael Hummer: Fernando has his own studio. He's been recording other bands from around town, and he does all the engineering. We took about two years recording this. We didn't have to worry about money and time.

TC: How do you plan to distribute it?

MH: We're distributing it all ourselves. We're had a lot of success with iTunes, selling individual songs, and cdbaby.

TC: How did you come to ph8?

MH: I was filling in along the line for the other drummers, when they were sick. . . . So I've kind of filled in throughout their existence.

TC: So you were all friends?

MH: Marcus and I were in a band before ph8, Angel Headed Hipsters. That was around in the '90s, about '97.

TC: Any Tucson natives in the band?

MH: I am, and Pyle the bass player. The singer is from Nebraska, and Fernando is from Mexico.

TC: What's your day job?

MH: Computer geek.

TC: With band members working full-time jobs, have you been able to tour much?

MH: We try to play California once a month, and Phoenix. We seem to be pretty well established here. It's just great playing here. Our fans are so loyal. The shows here are truly amazing.. . . This year will be our first extended tour for the summer, a West Coast thing.

TC: Your local support seems to be pretty good.

MH: We hope so. . . . With the album title, we figure we have to practice what we preach.

IF YOU GO

What: ph8 CD release concert, with Blynd and Chip Ritter

When: 8 p.m. March 25

Where: Rialto Theatre, 318 E. Congress St.

How much: $3 advance, $4 day of show

Details: 740-1000, rialtotheatre.com

Band Web site: www.ph8.net/

Listen to Ph8 (mp3):

Shallow And Cynical