To use a rather worn paraphrase, this band had me from the start. Damn the piano/keyboard player! But there’s more to the Damon Castillo Band than the keyboard beginning of “All I Know.” The video is very well done, professional in every way. The song itself is well played and the band is tight. This isn’t an earthshaking tune. But it’s a good pop/rock song that should launch the career of these young fellows.

The band recently released the video, after sending the tunes out at the end of 2008. The CD is called Lauren Lane. A second song available at www.damoncastillo.com, “One Life Stand” is a common, everyday story of young lovers learning to live together. (Congrats on learning about the toilet seat early on!) The title and lyrics work with excellent background guitar. It’s a strong tune.

The third tune we listened to, “Secret,” is the upbeat song of the three and may be the most interesting lyrically among the CD’s songs. Solid horns add a lot to the song. In fact, the group sounds much more comfortable with this style, but that could just one listener being misled by a first-time listen.

The group’s name comes from guitarist/vocalist Damon Castillo. Working with him in southern California are Kristian Ducharme – keyboards; Jennings Jacobsen – drums/vocals; Larry Kim-saxophone. You might be able to catch them as they move around California, Washington, Idaho and Montana. They’re spreading the word.

Damon Castillo Band on MySpace

Tags: damon castillo band, indie, music, independent music, indie music