On April 1 of 2006 the popular Charleston rock band Kapone announced its decision to call it quits and played its last show at the Music Farm.
After nearly four years of playing, touring and recording together, the Charleston-based quintet crumbled, citing a conflict of interest.
But Kapone's remnants gave rise to new ambition for guitarists Harold Johnson and Chris Nelson, and bassist Ryan Cargile. For the trio's new project, Johnson would take on double duties as vocalist and guitarist, while North Carolina native Parker Gins was recruited to take over on drums.
Gins recently relocated to Charleston from North Carolina, and saw an add seeking a drummer. Although Gins was a jazz and soul drummer, he decided to take a chance and audition for the aspiring rock band.
It was there, huddled inside a James Island practice studio, that the group Bastian was born. While Bastian sticks to the same energetic, pop-rock formula that made Kapone such a local favorite, the band has evolved. There is a definite musical maturation that has occurred with the band's members; both in the group's instrumental development and in its songwriting approach.
Johnson's voice is captivating as it careens through the band's catchy melodies and powerful, emotional songwriting. There is a certain sultriness to the package.
Gins and Cargile provide a tight, sonically sealed rhythm section that gives Bastian just enough edge without overcrowding the emotive stylings of Johnson's vocals. Nelson and Johnson have also developed a nice layering effect in their guitar work, as well as some eclectic solos and progressions that gives Bastian's music depth and sophistication, but no sense of redundancy or boredom in the band's music; just pure high-energy rock, with sing-along choruses.
As for a record, Bastian's members say one will be coming out soon. "We've been recording our own self-produced demos and posting them on our Myspace page to give people a taste ," says Nelson. "But everyone can expect more new music from us in the new year."
Written By Matthew Godbey for The Post and Courier
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