Straying away from the normally unspoken guidelines that many songwriters follow and seem to understand these days, The Bumpin Nastys brings new light to the way in which a band can push the boundaries of lyrics. However, The Bumpin Nastys’ lyrics aren’t what they should be entirely known for. Behind the neo-seductive vocals is a three-piece power trio that has the ability to get you out of your seat dancing, which is something to which the group is already accustomed.
Having gotten together toward the end of summer last year, this alternative rock trio was formed by using the classic northeast Portland method of starting your very own band—just grabbing your neighbor—which is exactly what they did. Debuting their first show in the basement of one of their houses in Northeast, the Nastys immediately gained prestige. From there, the group has been putting in tons of time and hard work by playing a show nearly every two weeks around Portland, furthering its experience from its emergence as a new band.
The power trio consists of the classic setup—a guitar, bass and drums arrangement, and prospectively adding in a synth to the mix soon. Adam Daugherty from Phoenix, Ariz., who is also part of the bands Lady Elaine and Bye Heart, leads the group on vocals and guitar and serves as the band’s “nasty” songwriter. Behind the drums is Portland native Ron Hernandez, who got his start with his previous band Window Seat. To be fair, the guitar and drums would be (respectfully) nothing without the extraordinary efforts of their bassist, Archie Heald.
Archie, who is one of PSU’s very own, hails from a small town which is known for producing great bassists: Roseburg. His talents can be heard from his selection of former local favorite groups such as Burning Down Brooklyn, Bubble Rebellion and Sitting Duck. This is a bass player that deserves to be a local celebrity for both his willingness to help out bands in the area and his immense passion to just go out and slap the bass.
The group’s catchiest song, “One Wish,” starts off with the drums and bass crashing in with every intention to pick you up out of your seat while the guitar plays a melodic finger-picking riff. The combination is simultaneously shadowed by the provocative lyrics that help assist in the explanation of their nastiness: “I have but one wish / to kiss your delicious lips / under your belt…” If these lyrics raise an eyebrow in a good way, then you will be happy to hear the band’s latest news.
Tonight, the band is holding its album-release party for its very first self-titled LP at the Alberta Street Pub at 8 p.m. The CD was recorded right here in downtown Portland at Green Light Studios and was produced by Jake Hummel. It will be available for purchase on iTunes today as well. If you are still wondering why you should catch The Bumpin Nastys’ gig, you’re just plain prude. Get out and support this talented group as it quickly makes its way onto the list of local favorites. ?