Invading Fort Worth: Howitzer
Rock band brings sounds of Jimi Hendrix, Blink 182, Foo Fighters to The Aardvark
By Natalie Dow
Commentary

I am not talking about the bomb. I’m talking about the band. Howitzer has invaded Fort Worth and is marking its territory by playing regularly at clubs and music complexes in the Fort Worth area. However, they come in peace, just wanting to enjoy themselves while doing shows and entertaining their fans. Howitzer is comprised of three talented Southern-bred boys — Cullen Dansby, bass; Tracy Miller, drums; and Mack Burke, guitar and vocals. They are all about 18; Mack and Tracy are in college, and Cullen is in high school. They met in high school, and the band’s present members were officially formed in September 2002. Even though they have only been together for a year, the have made their mark on the local Fort Worth music scene. If you really want to know more about them, check out their bio’s on their Web site, which are some of the most humorous material I’ve read lately. It is definitely worth one’s time to go to a Howitzer show, and there is one Friday at The Aardvark. Howitzer is having their Post Thanksgiving Gobble Gobble Celebration. The show is set to start about 9:30 p.m., but it wouldn’t hurt to get there early. If your Turkey Day plans are running over into Friday and you will miss this show, they are scheduled to play again Dec. 5 at Dreamworld Complex.

The band currently has a CD out and is already working on its sophomore follow-up. Their CD was recorded at First Street Audio with the assistance of Bart Rose. The CD’s back cover is a take off of The Beatles “Abbey Road” front cover, which is ironic because that was The Beatles last album, and this is Howitzer’s first. Although the CD is an accomplished effort, their new material has evolved and is already much better. You can check out the new music at their show or on the Web site. The band was influenced by many bands, including Jimi Hendrix, Old 97’s, Get Up Kids, Blink 182 and the Foo Fighters. When asked what genre he thought the band’s music falls into, Miller said, “We keep aiming for old-school rap, but it never comes out right.”

I think their music is mid-tempo rock, could be considered punk rock, is melodic with fairly simplistic songs and good lyrics.

I highly recommend going to Howitzer’s next show at the Aardvark. It should be great, as usual. However, if you can’t make it there, check out their Web site, (www.howitzermusic.com), for more information, their Platinum Club, pictures, contact information and much more.