Rocket Nov. 5, 1997

Spending an hour with the members of Botch is a lesson in deciphering sincerity from sarcasm. In a recent chat with the four-piece band -consisting of guitarist Dave Knudson, bassist Brian Cook, drummer Tim Latona and vocalist Dave Verellen- in a local coffee house, they told unbelievable stories of being propositioned to play a live set for a porn film and of their bassist streaking through a mall in California for $40. Between such outlandish stories and unruly jokes, the truth is a difficult thing to find. This is surprising coming from a band that puts every ounce of sincerity into its music. Formed four years ago in Lakewood, Washington, Botch are an aggressive, loud band that plays hardcore music with fast tempos, heavy guitar, and screamed vocals. Band members describe Botch's sound as "evil math rock." Math rock meaning songs arranged with odd tempos, unusual key signatures, jilting dynamics and strange chord progressions. The evil part is due to the dark and heavy nature of the music. Their "evil math rock" hasn't scared away fans, as Botch's live shows are packed. They have appeared on several 7''s and on various compilation albums. Local label Excursion Records recently issued a CD of previously released songs. Botch have plans for a national/ European tour next summer and the release of another LP. But so far, Botch have managed to stay relatively unknown outside a tight core of fans. "We tell people we've been around for four years and they're [surprised] because we're still kind of invisible," states Verellen. Most of that anonymity comes from the fact that Botch don't play at bars. And they have no intent to do so. Instead, the band chooses to play only all-ages shows. That way, everyone is included. Botch consider a lot more than just venues for their fans: They actually take on a scholarly role through their repertoire. On their CD, The Unifying Themes of Sex, Death, and Religion, the band covers an excerpt from Orff's opera Carmina Burana- not a typical selection for a noise-rock band. And they're also covered the B-52s' party favorite "Rock Lobster." "We cover songs because it's kind of like showing...kids in the scene that there's a broader sense of what music is about and what hardcore can be. Music is music and it's just universal," says Verellen. The band's overwhelming list of influences explains such an attitude. Genres cited include indie rock, old metal, electronica, old punk, jazz, straight-edge and Irish music. The band, however, strays far from recreating old sounds. "If you're gonna be in a band, you might as well try to do your own thing," says Cook. "You want to make a dent." Interview by Amy Boytz, as published in the November 5, 1997 issue of The Rocket.