North Carolina band House of Fools gained attention as it drew comparisons to The Eagles, Bob Dylan and The Beatles. Its success has come by mixing these classic sounds with those of more contemporary groups like Steel Train and Arizona-based rock band The Format.
Being matched up with such bands does not bother House of Fools.
“”I think the comparisons are awesome, and we will take it as a compliment because we dig those bands, too,”” said singer and guitarist Josh King.
Although there are hints of each of the groups in House of Fools’ music, its style is completely its own. By combining Southern sensibilities with indie rock, they have created an amazing rock experience.
This was not the story only three years ago, when three of the current members were playing in a well-regarded band, The Necessary. The group eventually grew to have a large fan base but felt limited in its sound.
With its tastes evolving, the band began looking for a different outlet to create music. This was found in 2004 when King teamed with keyboardist Matt Bowers to create a demo under the band’s current name.
The demo caught the attention of Drive Thru Records, home to pop-punk band New Found Glory, and the label signed House of Fools.
The group is now a band without boundaries, with a style that cannot be overlooked. Members have successfully created this sound, as seen on the group’s first full-length album, Live and Learn, by appreciating one another’s musical differences.
“”We have a small identity crisis because of our different influences,”” King said. “”There are so many it is almost ridiculous.””
The band has taken advantage of this by creating tracks with a variety of combinations. This is especially seen in the band’s live shows, which tend to turn into full-out jam sessions.
“”You get tired of playing the same songs,”” King said. “”It makes it more fun to jam out and communicate to the audience from the stage.””
House of Fools opens for He is Legend, Maylene and The Sons of Disaster on Wednesday in Tempe at The Clubhouse, 1320 E. Broadway Road, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $14 for this all-ages show.
