benzene

Benzene is a three-piece melodic skate-punk band taking cues from NUFAN and NOFX but often emphasizing a little more of their jazz influence. They formed in 2001 and through their short history underwent several lineup changes, released a six-track EP and landed tracks on two compilations. Then late 2004 a traffic accident caused the drummer to quit and the band to fall apart. Despite his band leaving him, Ben (singer/guitarist) dug in to finish recording the songs they had written. After releasing the old shoes album, Ben tried to put the band together desperately. Even though there were a lot of members changed throughout 2006 and 2007, they’ve released one split album with their friend’s band and one single ep (Give Me “Straight”) recently. In 2009, Ben moved to LA and luckily he met a new bass player (Neil) from music school and a drummer (Jeff). Neil grew up in the High Desert in Southern California and lately moved to Los Angeles to pursue a further career in music. He began playing bass when he was 13. Playing in a couple of bands and being a bass technician for bands, he started taking his music career more seriously. With more ambitions and drive than ever, he joined benzene since last year. Jeff is one of the most appealing and enthusiastic drummer, Ben’s saying, he’s also the key member of an indie-psychedelic band called siberian summer camp. He’s been playing drums more than 10 years in many punk rock bands and his passion for Benzene seems stronger than ever. Early 2009, they started playing a lot of shows in LA, and lately they’re preparing a new full-length album. Check their music and US tour dates. Hopefully, we look forward to another amazing follow-up album in this year.