You may not have heard of American Fangs yet, but they’re here to blow your socks off. Hailing from Houston, Texas, this five-piece rock’n’roll band have raw energy and passion that most bands would kill for. Recently over on our shores as support to Papa Roach, they’re a band with big ambitions, and they might just achieve every single one.
When asked to describe their sound, frontman Gabe Cavazos says, “I’d like to think we sound like the last three decades of what it is you like about rock and all its subgenres. Some people find it difficult to explain their own sound, but in an atmosphere where everyone cross pollinates their influences and styles, we find this an easy and almost perfect explanation. We’ve done our fair share of choosing lanes in the past. Now we find the most enjoyment in driving across all the lanes with our music.”
If you’re interested in checking out what American Fangs have to say, the best place to start would be their recently released ‘Pomona’ EP. They have plans to release their first full-length as soon as they possibly can, but for now, ‘Pomona’ is a short but incredibly sweet taster of what is to come. “It’s a great place to start if you’re interested in what American Fangs are about,” says Cavazos. “You get to dip your toes into raw, rowdy and sincere music, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a part of it.”
The band is formed of frontman Gabe Cavazos, drummer Micah Miller, bassist/vocalist Kyle Shimek and guitarists Chris Goodwin and Kenyon Puntenney. “We all came from the same Houston, Texas scene, for better or for worse. We all have that blessing and curse to pursue a life of happiness through music, which is beyond signing deals or hanging with chicks,” says Cavazos. “There’s a definite magic when we are together creating, and we initially took the DIY route just so we could play music together every day. And we’re still going!”
American Fangs have managed to pick up some stellar support slots, despite not even releasing a full-length album yet. From Deftones to Papa Roach, they’re picking up famous fans all over the place. Last month they were on our shores with Papa Roach, playing the likes of Brixton Academy. “I’m sure I’m safe to speak for all my bandmates when I say that it was one of the paramount moments of our lives so far. Not only did Papa Roach take us out of the States to the UK for the very first time, but they allowed us to shine on a huge stage in front of sold out crowds for two weeks,” says Cavazos. “That’s a fucking privilege. The tour was excellent. The energy was excellent. I said it on stage every night: it felt like a dream.”
They haven’t always played to massive, sold out crowds though. “Believe me, we’ve done shows where only the bartender and the doorman were the only ones who showed up. Playing for tons of people or no people is humbling,” says Cavazos. “When you’re given the chance to support bands who have massive careers and a strong work ethic, as well as big followings, we make sure we come correct.”
Their aims for 2014? Release an album, tour, come back to the UK, and most importantly, stay out of jail. But seriously: “We’ve always wanted to remain on the road, and release music constantly. It may sound easier than it seems. Becoming a well-oiled machine that can do so will allow us more room and time to create. Fingers crossed that this cycle can evolve into creative endeavours and opportunities that are as wonderful as the struggle it’s taking to get there. The ideology is extremely simple to me. Time to get to work.”
And with an attitude like that, they might just get exactly what they want. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for American Fangs in 2014. It’s going to be their year.
LAIS MW