Occasionally, there's a band that's good enough to make it big, but content to remain at a modest level. With a sound that accommodates a wide range of pop/rock preferences, Milwaukee's Fiercely Me maintains modesty amid growing recognition. The band members' genuine appreciation for music and their humorous, carefree attitude is gaining them popularity and praise within the community.
Released last fall, Fiercely Me's debut CD, "Ecstaseeds," is chock full of both springy pop and heavy rock. At times, sounding as jagged as industrial rockers Rage Against the Machine, and at others resembling a lighter Smashing Pumpkins, the album captures such a wide variety of sounds that on first listen, you might wonder if the songs were all written by the same band.
Bassist John Waldron notes, undertstatedly, "This album offers a bit for everybody."
Self-recorded and co-produced with Brad Zweig of Studio Z, "Ecstaseeds" is a product of each band member's eclectic and expansive personal music collections.
"This album is a bit like a tossed salad," says lead singer Chris Hernandez. "We've been trying to figure out what we're doing ourselves."
On "Ecstaseeds," one song's about a weedwacker, another is about a mailman, and yet another discusses the effects of an illusory dinosaur drug. The surreal diversity captured on the album is also represented in the album's artwork, designed by Bob Ross of Be Creative.
Despite the hodgepodge, Fiercely Me has a knack for creating catchy and well-written material. Their songs can be danced to, screamed on top of, bellowed with or even giggled at. This band's chemistry is so good that the laughter is nearly constant when they're in one another's company and this energy seeps into their music as well.
"I guarantee that listening to this CD, you will have a smile on your face or you will laugh at one point or another," promises Hernandez. With light-hearted titles like "Milk and Cheese," "Pogo In Your Head" and "Giant Flaming Fedoras," Hernandez isn't lying.
The antics can be experienced at Fiercely Me concerts, including a recent show, at which the dancer sporting the grooviest moves won an autobiography of Mr. T. Attempting to stay in tune with the human element of music production and performance, these guys aren't afraid to be creative and take chances. This attitude is perfectly embodied in the band's name as well.
"Fiercely me is us. It's about fierce individuality and being yourself so much you can say you're 'fiercely me'," says Hernandez.
Although they don't necessarily have major-label aspirations, it wouldn't be shocking if some deals float their way.
Waldron is often acknowledged to be one of the best bassists around town, having played with some of the best studio artists of the local music industry, and drummer Jay Christensen knocks out noteworthy beats.
As Milwaukee gains the attention of national record companies, Fiercely Me's next stage could very well be in the spotlight. And if it doesn't happen, these guys aren't giving up.
"Even if we never get signed, we're going to be doing this for a long time," says Hernandez.
"Milwaukee's getting a lot of attention right now, as far as the music scene goes, and it's well-deserved. There's a lot of talent here," adds Waldron.
Although they're looking forward to touring throughout the midwest over the next six months, Fiercely Me plays regular shows as venues such as Vnuk's Lounge, 5036 S. Packard Ave., in Cudahy, and Reed Street Station, 430 S. 2nd St.
They also play at The Globe East, 2028 E. North Ave., May 11, with The Pimps and Dovetail Joint, at Reed Street Station's Maxfest, on May 27, and at Conway's, 2127 W. Wells St., June 2.
Get a taste of Fiercely Me at their website at www.fiercelyme.com.
