FocuS (US)
At first glance, F.o.c.u.S. may seem like just another punk band. But on closer inspection of their music, observers find a far more complex picture of a tight-knit unit that has earned the respect and loyalty of fans and peers alike. "They display more talent than most of the ska/punk bands out there", states dr. deathray, under the volcano magazine. They have been described as "original", "musically talented" and a "fun band lyrically", explains Jimmy Olsen, small town minds fanzine, "they find great ways to talk about self-esteem problems and being unsure about the future, normal things that we all think about, but can't really find ways to express." The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Jim Prisciandaro, additional vocalist Mark Tiberio, bassist Peter Pinto and drummer John Petrovec. F.o.c.u.S. was formed in Long Island, New York when Prisciandaro answered an ad for a guitarist put out by Petrovec and brought in friend Justin Harris to play bass. By the time they got their driver's licences, the trio had released their first demo, 'One and then some', which became an instant seller at shows across long island. In late 1998, the band released their debut album 'No Refills' on CYG Records. With it's caffeinated tempos, spikey power chords and catchy pop hooks, 'No Refills' quickly became the labels best seller. Due to personal reasons, in 1999 Harris left the band. Since then, the band found a replacement in friend Pinto and have added Tiberio to complement the rest of the group. They have been featured on many compilation cds including the Kaos Compilation #6 (Under the Volcano/Motherbox Records), Planet of Punks Vol. 1 & 2 (Straight Ahead Records), Redefine the Rockstar (316 Productions), and Beatdown on Diabetes and Cancer (Beatdown Records) which have faired well not only in New York but across Europe. The members of F.O.C.U.S. stay happy by hanging out, going to college and playing their explosive live show's. Despite the flashes of anger and petulance in their lyrics, the guys rarely stray from the breezy attitude and solve espirit de corps that define them as a unit. Their songs never let you become bored while they keep you coming back for more.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
New York
Your musical influences
Bracket, Nofx, Deftones, Strung Out, Neck, Mxpx, Lagwagon, V.O.D., Pantera, Sepultura, Less Than Jake
What equipment do you use?
Samson
Anything else?
Download our songs!!!
