No Fuego

PLAYING FOR THE SAKE OF PLAYING Ironically, Baton Rouge local band, No Fuego is on fire. This high-energy punk rock band has already begun building a fan base throughout the gulf states. In the band’s Chimes street backyard, they gave me the low down on their music, their plans, Louisiana politics and how hurricane Katrina shaped their lives. “No Fuego,” is a term from when the band was on tour in Texas. The guys were at a gas station and a guy ran out yelling “no fuego” because they were smoking a cigarette. They say now it also is something they say when they can’t get anything to work. This five man band consists of Greg on bass and vocals, Ty on drums, Marshal on bagpipes, Shawn on guitar and vocals, and Remy on guitar and vocals. Their influences range from Social Distortion to Alkaline Trio to Open Hands to Travis Barker. With such a broad spectrum of inspiration, these guys have a completely unique sound. The four voices, two guitars and bagpipes these guys mix together produce a type of music words just can’t describe. Imagine Green Day playing at the Highland Games, then you could start get an idea. With many punk bands, lyrics don’t really matter. Some bands can get away with not saying anything with their music. No Fuego’s explicitly honest, homegrown words, however, are saturated with meaning. For example, “KKKatrina,” a song off their new CD, Marshal’s Law, is a rocking little number to dance to. However, the brilliant aspect of their song isn’t the great sound, it’s the words. At first glance, the title might give you the wrong idea about who the band is singing for. However, this anti-racism, pro-N.O. anthem screams of the injustices the people of New Orleans have faced because of our government, especially in the line, “that Blanco look on your face.” The song itself is a hurricane. It starts loud and choppy, and tears into the “eye” of the song. After the destruction comes the bagpipes and the acoustic sounds of rebirth. “This is a song for New Orleans,” said Greg. “Remy lost his home. Katrina impacted No Fuego the band and No Fuego the music.” These guys are for the music and for Louisiana. This past January, No Fuego just came off a two week Gulf Coast tour with 6 Pack Deep, Baton Rouge’s own original ska band. They played anywhere from a crowd of 300+, to a audience of 2. “It was the time of our lives. Who else gets to do this?” said Ty about their tour. The band also added, “We really want to thank 6 Pack Deep for the tour and for taking all our s**t.” No Fuego would also like to thank , photographer Peyton, Club Jade for the fog machine, crown and the $14, and all their families and friends. They would like to beat their road manager Dave. On of my proudest moments was when the band told me that some Baton Rouge fans followed them on their tour. Kudos to you Baton Rouge fans. No Fuego’s music is definitely unique, every chord is a party, and every word has significance. College towns, like Baton Rouge, are the best places to build a fan base, and this band deserves a great one. For more information about No Fuego, visit www.myspace.com/nofuego or come to a show for the CD info. Expect great things from these guys, they have the energy, the sound and the words every celebrated band needs to make it big. Originally Published: Issue 544 - April 5, 2007

NO FUEGO KEEPS THE FIRE BURNING In the past six months, No Fuego has become one of Baton Rouge's favorite punk rock bands. Their show wednesday, June 22 @ North Gate Tavern showed that even though they have experienced local success, they are still humble and focused on the music. The band, which consists of vocalist and guitarist Shawn "Conman" Lee, guitarise Tremy Barthe, bassist Greg Allen, Drummer Ty Moore, and Bagpipper Marshall Pounds, kicked off the show with a new instrumental song that blew the audience away. Unfortunately for the group, technical difficulties were abundant that evening. There was piercing feedback in the speakers saveral times during the show. No Fuego handled the technical difficulties the bast way they knew how, covering it with their magnetic personalities. "The crowd was awesone. It was one of the best show's we've had so far," said Barthe. It was obvious the crowd was the band's first priority. The crowd never took their eyes off the stage. When Lee told them there were only two more songs, the crowd wanted more. No Fuego's incendiary stage presence kept the crowd going, but Lee definitely stole the show with his constant remarks and his performance of Guns and Roses' "Live and Let Die." The group has matured from musically just getting by to a local headliner. "Everyone has grown as musicians so much,"said Barthe. "No Fuego has matured into an ultimate rock band," Said fan Spud McAllister. "They own Face." At the end of the show, Barthe put it best,"We're No Fuego-the end." Originally Published Issue 297