by Mar°a B. Del R°o
Daily Lobo
Stoic Frame is a band that continually renews itself.
The group began in El Salvador in 1992 and as kids played in any space that would have them.
Several years later, members of Stoic Frame gathered in Albuquerque to realize their dream of playing to packed crowds. Their ultimate goal is to move people with their passionate, intense and sincere style of playing.
This time band members are trying their luck in Los Angeles.
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"Los Angeles, southern California is the heart of so many things," said Keith Sanchez, front man for Stoic Frame. "Not only the entertainment industry, but it is also a gathering place of artists from around the world."
Sanchez said initially drawing a response from the new L.A. university crowd was difficult but that the band is finally gaining ground.
"It was a humbling experience," he said. "It took a year to get our foot in the door, really."
Keep in mind that Stoic Frame gathered one of the most dedicated fan bases in Albuquerque, drawing huge crowds at most shows. Even today, the occasional night of acoustic music packs theaters of audience members eager to experience the intensity of their music.
Stoic Frame's acoustic sets are treats for any fan of rock music. They play many of their original works along with covers such as Sublime, Bob Marley and The Doors. Other gems include a heart-wrenching rendition of U2's "One" or the traditional corrido, "Carabina 30/30" that consistently has audience members singing aloud in reverie.
Sanchez said they use their music as a tool to convey a message. With influences like U2 and Rage Against the Machine, there is no doubt Stoic Frame suggests political messages of social justice.
Sanchez believes the time has come when it is no longer a luxury to be apolitical.
"It's no longer the time to sit there, turn your head and say 'Hey I got my DVD player, my big screen and my DSL Internet connection,'" he said. "'Why the hell should I worry about all those things that the people in the Third World are worrying about?'"
Often, band members are asked if they are heading in a different direction by going to L.A. and trying to make it. But Sanchez insists "we're not shooting to be the most famous band in the world." L.A. has its sweets and sours, he said.
Stoic Frame counts its success by playing shows that the band can be proud of and by sharing energy with the audience, Sanchez said.
Stoic Frame is beginning to play places like The Whiskey, where legendary rock bands have graced the stage. The band also plays a steady gig at the Viper Room where James Brown has walked in on one of their shows.
Aside from the occasional visits to Albuquerque, look for Stoic Frame at this year's Weekly Alibi Fall Crawl. For more info go to www.stoicframe.com.
