“Capitol Risk” is a name that some on campus may already know, and one that may be heard more often in the near future. A pop-rock band based out of Malvern, Pa., Capitol Risk calls Temple home to some of its members. Bassist and sociology major Jimmy Guardino is currently enrolled in classes, but mentioned plans to take a semester or two off to focus on the band. Guitarist Brian Quindlen, who was formerly
a secondary education major, decided not to return this spring.
“We’re all planning on taking some time off from school to pursue the band,” Quindlen said. “We get together every weeknight and Sunday and write music.” Capitol Risk recently traveled to Los Angeles,
where it met with a few different record labels. Though he was unable to comment on which labels the band talked with, Quindlen did hint that they are close to signing a deal. While in California, the group played a showcase at Nightingale Studios in North Hollywood.
“It’s this historic rehearsal space that Van Halen and tons of hair metal bands used to practice at,” Quindlen said. “In fact, we saw Scott Ian, guitarist of Anthrax, so that was pretty radical.”
What began in fall 2002 as a blink-182 cover band, Capitol Risk has since evolved into a four-man outfit that counts U2, Goo Goo Dolls, Cartel and even show tunes as influences on their music. Lead singer Vince D’Annunzio is responsible for the majority of the songwriting duties, but the band functions more as a democracy.
“Vince usually has an idea for a verse or chorus and will bring it to the band, and we will work off that,” Guardino said. “We usually all have selective input about different parts and from that we come up with a final product.”
Quindlen said that in today’s music scene, where anyone can put their material online to be heard, it is difficult to stand out. But he knows that in order to set yourself apart you must be able to find something that is new and fresh.
“Even though Vince writes the lyrics, they are something that we and our fans can relate to,” Quindlen said. “I feel that separates us from a lot of other
bands, because there is a lack of honesty in today’s pop lyrics.”
The band comes across as unassuming, and it seems as if it is having a blast while working hard at making its dreams come true.
“Some people spend their lives in jobs they hate, but being in a band almost feels like it’s a free ride while it lasts,” Guardino said.
Capitol Risk is currently working on new material for a forthcoming release, and will play April 19 at The Fire, located at 428 W. Girard Ave.
Andrew Franklin can be reached at amf538@temple.edu.
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