Brahm Bones

By Julie Garisto
Published October 19, 2007

Bones brigade: Blake Masters, guitar and vocals; Keith Bartlett, bass; David Kibby, guitar; and Paul Moroz, drums.

In the beginning: It all started October 2006, with Masters (formerly of the Rubes) laying down tracks for what he jokingly called his "country album." He invited friends to participate in a "Tampa music scene conglomerate," saying, "We figured that it would be a fun way to spend Sunday afternoons for a while."

A 10-month gestation: The existing four didn't make up the official lineup until May 2007.

Filling out the exoskeleton: As members signed on, Masters' swampy-romantic folk ditties (a few co-written with Kevin Cline) began to transform into rock that was more primal and catchy. Punk and garage influences came into play. "The songs are accessible and then - pow - it hits you," Masters said. Added Moroz: "We're definitely on some freaky edge of Americana.

The meat and marrow: Bartlett (formerly of the Unrequited Loves and Magadog) was one of the first friends to become a fixture during the semi-serious stints. He is a "melodic" bass player, whose plucks don't just go along with the backbeat. They bounce around and dance on their own. Moroz (Pagan Saints) hits hard with precision, enhanced, not encumbered, by Bartlett's unique counterpoints. Kibby revs things up with an aggressive and steady guitar attack. His electric adrenaline sustained the feverishly dynamic Coma Girl during its short but successful lifespan.

"Paul was the second drummer to play on the project but the first to track his songs with Keith playing at the same time, live," Masters said. "As soon as I heard the two lock in and begin learning how each other ticked, and they way they spoke in rhythm section jibber jabber, it just made sense that the three of us find a practice space and begin learning songs. ... Kibby fell right into what we were doing and developed his own very distinct, yet complementary parts that brought the songs full circle."

Honorary member, godfather, hero: Locally renowned producer and musician Steve Seachrist (Spooky Greenhill) plays slide guitar on a few songs and participated in the Bones' recording sessions. Seachrist's studio (formerly Camp Hiawatha; now Square Peg) is to band boys what tree forts are to little boys. Over the years, he's recorded with Clang, Nailbiters, the Unrequited Loves, Geri X and many more.

"You could play six degrees of Steve Seachrist," Masters says. "He's got every instrument and every piece of equipment you can think of. ... (For us) he tracks everything digitally, processes it on analog gear and spits it back into the digital world."

They got 'em covered: The guys perform a punchy and dramatic cover of You Don't Miss Your Water, an old traditional tune popularized by Otis Redding and the Byrds. They also play Cool It Down by the Velvet Underground, Whisper Tames the Lion by Drivin' n' Cryin', Black Peter by the Grateful Dead and the Pixies' Caribou.

Headless horsemen: The name was inspired by Brom Bones from The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. Says Masters: "It's funny that Irving sets Brom Bones up as the antagonist of the story, but then the headless guy steals his thunder in the end. Besides that, it just feels good to say it. Go ahead and try it: Brahm ... Bones."

First live gig: Friday (10/19) with Spooky Greenhill and Crash Mitchell. 9 p.m. New World Brewery, Ybor City. $5. (813) 248-4969.

[Last modified October 18, 2007, 13:10:41]