Wisdom of the Leech is not the average Albuquerque band.
The band's debut EP, The Death of Respect is a five-song power-bomb. Not only has the band managed to put together a respectable first EP, it has also created a sound that creeps toward the edges of clichÇ and then slaps you in the face and makes a bee line towards something unexpected. What that is, is hard to say.
A little bit of funk, a lot of punk, some southern blues and a strong heavy-metal influence drives the EP's sound. Most impressive is the clean recording that allows the listener to distinguish between feedback, melodies and vocals and truly hear the band's music.
But it's not necessarily the album that the band wants you to know about.
"The songs on the album were recorded early and are the first few songs we wrote," said lead singer Mike Del Rio. "We went in with the intention of just having fun. We have much better stuff now and are still trying to play those songs, but now our music is more heavy, more weird and unique. What we really concentrate hard on is being a good live band."
Rounding out the band are guitarist Ruben Garcia, bassist Adrian Paine and Peter Hague on drums and merchandise design.
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Paine described the band's long-term goals: "Slowly take over the world man. Right now we're expanding out of Albuquerque and going to Arizona, Texas and Colorado. We feel we've done about as much here as we can. We're at the point where we announce a show, and it sells out. This summer we have shows booked at Whiskey Bar and other places in L.A."
Paine said the band's live shows are so impressive that other bands don't like to play after them.
"When we did the grand re-opening of El Rey one of the bands declined to go on after us," he said. "We have more gear and are louder and faster. There are people who are better than us, but our biggest thing is when people hear we're playing they get excited and when people play with us they get intimidated."
But it's not all blood and music.
"When we do get the chance, we get together and get loaded," said Del Rio about the band's working relation. "A lot of musicians will agree with me on this. (Being in a band) is like having a girlfriend, really. You have to deal with egos. If some of the guys have a bad day, you're going to have a bad day, too. But once you start to make eye contact, it's easy to get into the groove from there."
Who: Wisdom of the Leech
When: Friday 7 p.m.
Where: Warehouse 21
1614 Paseo de Peralta, Santa Fe
How
much: $5
Tickets
& Info: 505-989-4423
