Scholastic Express- January 6, 2001
One of the most difficult things for a new band has to do is come up with a name. The band "Feedback" has had several names including, "ATOMIX" and "Disturbing the Peace".
"We were playing outside, and an old lady called the cops," said Mike Peek, lead vocalist and lead guitar player. That was how they came up with the "Disturbing the Peace" name.
"We did a web search and found that a band in St. Louis was using it."
When they did a web search on Feedback, they got no hits.
"Feedback" is a four-piece band hailing from the Whitesboro area. Three members attend Whitesboro high, Mike Peek; Steve Roberts is the bass player; Jim Roberts on rhythm guitar and Will Browar on drums. Will is a junior at Notre Dame High School. Mike and Steve are also juniors and Jim is a sophomore.
"I started it in back in October of 1999," Mike said. He recruited Will first. "He (Mike) kept nagging me, calling my house," said Will on how he got into the band.
Next to join was Jim. "He is the best (guitar player) in school," Mike said.
"We went through a couple bass players before we got Steve," Mike said.
"I had to learn all my songs in two weeks," Steve said.
That is what happens when a gig is booked.
The band plays both original songs and cover songs.
One of their cover songs is "Smells Like Teen Spirit," by Nirvana, which allows these musicians to show off their dynamics. They have a deliberate attack on their instruments and Jim shows a familiarity with his guitar, even playing with his teeth. Drummer Will places a cement block in front of his bass drum to keep it from moving from the forceful attack that he has on his drums. His style truly gives this band a rhythmical punch which is accented by Steve's bass playing ability.
Another of their cover songs is one of the most requested songs of all time, "Stairway to Heaven", by Led Zeppelin.
This song really gives Feedback a chance to show off their talent because it starts so quiet. Mike has a excellent voice and he demonstrates the quality of his voice. The band played the song at the Whitesboro High Pops Concert to cheering fans.
"We are going to record a full album this summer," Mike said. "We plan on having 16 originals ready and then pull out the best 12 to record."
Some of the names of their originals songs are "Song of the Lost", "Heartbroken Angel", and "Secret Stairs". "Song of the Lost" is snappy and dynamic but amazingly it it conveys sadness, which certainly fits the name of the song.
"Leave Me Young" is a song about how corruption comes with age.
Mike writes the lyrics to the songs.
"Everything I write has deep inner meaning that I want everyone to see," he said.
"Basically we jam out," Jim explains on how the band writes their music. They then work with the best of these sounds and the song develops.
In November the band cut a demo CD at Gecko Studios in Frankfort. They are currently selling the CD.
"Feedback" played a variety of gigs last year and are looking forward to the new year and new opportunities including a booking at the Deerfield Field Days in June.
"Feedback" has an exceptional web page at www.FDBCK.cjb.net/ that is a must visit for the online world. Besides and extensive photo gallery, there are links to area bands, biographies of each member, and samples of their music although this page is still under construction. You will find the photo album on the links page.
If you want more information on the band or to contact them, you may do so through their web page, or email them at Atomix@angelfire.com
Back to News
