If you’re not badass, you’re trying too hard

Kansas City’s Deadringers

Kansas City’s Deadringers have only been playing shows since last fall but an audience for the garage punk band is starting to build. With some 20 shows under their belt in Kansas City, Lawrence, and Omaha the band might seem committed at face value.

But meeting and talking with them tells a different story. Bassist Aaron Deets was on his way to Ecuador this coming fall but plans changed for non-band related circumstances. Drummer, and UMKC senior, Derek Neufeld is constantly apply to work and study in the Middle East, but has yet to find acceptance.

And so the band remains, and it remains strong. On Friday, April 8 the Deadringers played the Middle of the Map Fest at the Record Bar. The band played just before the Kansas City legends, The Roman Numerals.

It was a 45 minute set that had everyone amazed. Steve Tulipana, owner of the Record and front man of Roman Numerals, asked Deets afterwards why he had never heard of them before and that the Deadringers had to play the Record Bar more often.

They don’t seem to keep any secret to their sound. Guitarist and lead vocalist Ian Flowers books shows and then the band plays. They’re just good at what they do, with driving rhythm’s reminiscent of The Clash, and a guitar malpractice to boot.

They’re not in it for the money (because they don’t make any) and they’re not really in it for the music either. They’re just friends who like to hang out, and sometimes instruments are involved.

Last month the Deadringers were scheduled to play at The Union but The Union booking agent had double booked and so the guys were shafted. But none of the three put up much of a fight. There was no big ego on the line. They’ll play The Union next time.

Despite a laid back mentality there is no denying the epic sound with Flower’s shred and holler, Deets’ head jive lick, and Neufeld’s hearty beats seeing a blood stained high hat all too often.

“Did you guys catch the Deadringers?” said Tulipana into the mike after their Middle of the map set, “they were badass.”

But the Deadringers continue to simply not worry themselves with the headaches of management. When asked if he wanted to comment about the Deadringers, Neufeld responded with only, “wait, who are the Deadringers?” And when asked the name of a certain fist pumpable song, “I don’t really know the names of our songs,” Neufeld said, “You’ll have to ask Ian.”

The Deadringers play next at the Riot Room on May 7. Right on.

kbryce@unews.com