There was a time, though it may seem distant, when American underground rock ‘n’ roll was ruled by sounds now oft forgotten; the shrill screams of a Farfisa organ, the gritty punch of a hollow-body guitar, frenetic drums behind delicious bass licks, and the irresistible clashing of a tambourine. These are the echoes of garage rock: rhythm and blues on a strung out bender, gallivanting about with a dip in the hip and a mop on the top.
Thankfully this spirit has not been left entirely in the past. Candy Apple, hailing from Chico, CA, is living proof. Five members strong, Candy Apple is comprised of Scott Barwick (vocals, organ), Jake Sprecher (vocals, guitar), Katie Kelley (bass) and Slee Jensen (drums). Guided by the power of Farfisa organ, the group summons enticing demons from the likes of The Standells, Rocky Erickson, The Count Five, and The Sonics.
With a live presence that rips across the stage, it is no feat for Candy Apple to steam the entire room in a hot minute. Candy Apple is soul to the bone, and will most assuredly be putting the devil back in your jeans.
“First off, this band’s album art arouses me. Looking as if it were the original member of the Ocean’s Eleven with an axe over his shoulder? Well, yes sir, I do believe that Jeanie was a Motorbiker... This state side band has enough mph to rock plenty a suburban garage. It is a pleasant return to rock ‘n roll and for that they deserve recognition. You gotta respect those that keep it old school, and classy.”
– 7Digital Indiestore
"Chico’s Candy Apple would be a tough act for anyone to follow. I was informed the five piece had suffered a rather late night the previous evening, but any lapses in energy were absent from the band’s set. Propelled by Scott “Scott” Barwick’s Farfisa and Jake Sprecher’s guitar/spastic energy (the two share vocal duties), Candy Apple ripped through a set that was consistently rooted in classic rockabilly and rhythm and blues. The band’s hypertension never seemed to lag, with Summer Maroste shaking the tambourine, while Katie Kelley (bass) and Slee Jensen (drums) kept the rhythm twice. Belting out catchy choruses like, “before you leave me, honey / you better think twice,” the band was easy to pick up on lyrically, whether or not you were previously familiar with the band’s work."
- Bay Bridged
"Like its namesake sugar-bomb-on-a-stick, Candy Apple is an incredibly likeable live band. Whether sounding Kinks-ian in the quick and catchy “Standin’ in Line,” riding a hot bass line from Katie Kelley’s black Rickenbacker or continually bringing to mind the quintessential combo organ one-hit wonder “96 Tears,” Candy Apple’s mid-1960s garage rock, protopunk vibe was consistent. Why the entire audience was not doing the jerk was a mystery."
- Performer Magazine
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