American Bang

Jaren Johnston: Vocals and guitar
Neil Mason: Drums
Kelby Ray: Bass
Ben Brown: Guitar



The future of R&R is safe in the hands of American Bang, and rock it does my friends.

Christmas was nearing, and it was time for the annual 99X Mistle Toe Jam, a concert
that is a gift to the listeners from one of Atlanta's rocking-est radio stations.
It is a highlight of the season and always promises to feature some of the new and up
coming artist that the industry has to offer. American Bang fits into that catergory quite well. The bill also included The Paper Tongues, and Switchfoot, both delivered a rocking show, but it was American Bang that held my attention throughout the night.

I had the privilege of seeing them a few months back, and when I heard that they were coming back I had to be there. They impressed me the first time with their hands on approach, to set breaking down, t-shirt selling, fan greeting... southern hospitality at it's finest.

These boys are out of Nashville, and have that southern tinge, but are total rock to the core. I love the quick tempo that all of their songs have, as the slower songs tend to soften the mood; why smash a rocking mood when ya got it going.

I arrived at the venue, Center Stage, and after the usual debauchery I cause getting into the show, I grabbed a beer and headed out to find them backstage. And found them I did, after passing dressing room after dressing room, all of which were quietly filled, I came to the door that was marked American Bang, and when I opened the door AC/DC was blaring, and there stood Jaren, Neil and Ben. I was greeted with "Hey! There's Cyndi Ford, she made it!".

After hanging out for a while, we all dispersed throughout the venue, only to meet back moments before show-time, I was giddy with excitement. I got my place front and center, and I told everyone around me, get ready to be rocked; that the band coming up was Phenomenal. They blew us all away. Jaren is quite the frontman, from standing on the bass drum, to getting out in the middle of the crowd to play. I must admit he is one of the best front men I have ever seen. "Whiskey Walk", is one of their best songs, and the crowd really got into it.

But "Move to the Music", aptly what I call my theme song, with lyrics like "black book full of rock stars that she's sweet on", and "front and center with her drink on," and "don't you love them aren't they great", it is as if it was written with me in mind. Needless to say I went wild when they played this one. I guess that is the reason Jaren said as he was leaving to the guy from 99X, "that Cynid Ford, she's wilder than squirel shit, but cool as hell." I had to laugh.

The song "Wild and Young" is their first top 20 hit, it is the one that most people know best, and was a crowd fave for sure. One hit wonders?  No way; these guys have got what it takes to be around for a long time.
Look for these guys to come to your town, it is a show that you do not want to miss.
They will get you to move to the music alright. As Joey Huffman once said when asked, "who is your favorite new music out right now? "American Bang", he said as he looked at me, "We like American Bang".

They are the future of R&R alright, and the future looks bright.

Cyndi