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"The Twenties have talent."
By BAILEY JAMES Satellite Correspondent
1/18/2008
In fact, they almost radiate it. This high-school band plays with skill that transcends its years of age and experience, and the members' musical prowess has earned them a spot again this year to compete in the Satellite Battle of the Bands.
The band consists of two Bixby juniors, Kendal Osborne on guitar and vocals, and Grant Nordean on lead guitar; two Jenks juniors, drummer Peter Jenkins and bassist Nick Poss; and one Jenks sophomore, Eric Pyle, who plays keyboard.
The sound that rattles the windows of the cluttered second-story rehearsal space in Peter's house is energetic, polished and soulful. With another year's worth of experience and the second-place title from last year's battle under their belt, the Twenties have changed and improved, although they still can't quite label their music.
"We have a really diverse sound," Kendal explained. "You can't put a finger on it because all our songs sound different. You could hear 'This Is a War' and say we're indie rock, but then listen to 'History of Vivid Dreams,' which is experimental . . ."
"The thing is," interrupted Grant, "all of our songs have
a totally different vibe to them. Like, we have a song called 'Car,' which is almost straight-up pop. I think it's because all of us have different backgrounds, and we come together to form, like, the 75th best band in Tulsa."
The boys guffaw at Grant's citation of the honor bestowed upon them by Myspace and eagerly follow the new tangent, their conversation weaving through Disney Channel original movies, Jamie Lynn Spears' recently announced pregnancy and the band's name, which is disliked but unchangeable at this point, although new titles are still in vented and debated for pleasure. A few favorite suggestions are Devil's Interval, Picasso's Phone Number, I Found Van Gogh's Missing Ear, O.J.'s Gloves and My Fantasy Baseball Team.
They are lighthearted and funny together, and their friendship enhances their music. They can play intuitively and second-guess each other, so their jamming is just as powerful as their practiced numbers, and they can easily write and change songs together during rehearsals.
"Nearly every practice, we find something to add or take away," Grant said. "Some of our older songs have changed drastically -- like the way they sound and how people play their parts have changed a lot -- and our stuff has continued to morph. Our songs are transforming."
Practice sessions are fairly whimsical, with the boys running a few songs, jamming a little and joking around a lot, but the unstructured rehearsals aren't indicative of the music. They work when they need to, and the sound is refined and professional.
At last year's battle, the band brought home the runner-up prize, and they hope their experience will benefit them this year.
"Last year we didn't really know what to expect, especially as far as what the crowd does," Eric reminisced. "You're playing for 1,500 high-schoolers, and anything can happen."
Peter agreed that their prospects are auspicious this year.
"We're all better at our instruments now, and we're more focused. Last year, we didn't even decide what songs we wanted to do for the battle until a few weeks before. I think our songs are better now, better than they were last year."
Though they certainly wouldn't mind winning, the Twenties aren't of a competitive nature, and are thrilled just to be back in the competition. They're more excited and less nervous this year, and are familiar with the other bands, which makes the experience much more fun.
"Being friends with all the other bands is an advantage," Kendal said. "We want the other bands to do well this year, so it's less competitive. We know how the system works and what to expect, and having more confidence really is a big thing."
Win or lose, the group still will be about music. They get real joy out of playing and providing entertainment for their fans.
"I've learned that you can overthink music, but whenever you break it down, good music is good music, and overthinking everything just ruins it," summarized Nick decisively.
With their spirit, sound and skill, the Twenties will be sure to give a memorable performance that leave the audience cheering for more.
After all, the Twenties have talent.
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