Disappearing Boy

Every hip radio and local music magazine in Central Florida is sponsoring the Summer Palooza IV Festival. Why is the entire community coming together for this event? It's simple: to bring the spotlight on Orlando's talent. Over the years, I've heard complaints from our local bands that nobody pays attention to them and that there are not enough places to play. This is why Three Little Pigz Entertainment was born. The four young entrepreneurs of 3LP decided to quit their plush little jobs so they could devote themselves full-time to holding a series of Summer Palooza Festivals. These festivals give local bands the opportunity to play more venues with more diverse crowds.

Summer Palooza IV promises to have something for everyone at every age. There will be midway games and rides, bungee jumping, an international food court, a vending village, a classic car and bike show, an arts and crafts center (it's even rumored that there will be sculpting with chainsaws) and an inline skate and B.M.X demo. This event will also be supporting New Wheel Order's drive to gather petitions to build a skate park in Orlando. They're hoping to gain awareness for skaters as artists and athletes instead of street punks. The promoters feel that if they bring enough diversity to their show, there will be enough diversity in the crowd to give the local bands the widespread recognition they deserve.

The nationally signed Warner Brothers artists Cool For August and Treadmill Trackstars will be headlining this event to bring attention to the local music cause. The local bands scheduled to play are Big Shirley, The Kill, Disappearing Boy, Addict Sunday, Chez Whitey, Forest Orange, and Blind Alley. 3LP Entertainment is hoping to create some permanent culture here in Central Florida. They're planning to hold six shows per year to support the enormous amount of talent we have locally. - Buzz Magazine - September 5, 1997

Call it pop music but don't forget the punk influence. This five-piece from Orlando, FL has been around for a couple of years and has finally put out a CD ever so appropriately called Loud, Noisy, Pop!. From the cartoonish strains of "Now What" to the effortless beat of "Please Do", this six song self-produced EP seems a direct descendant of the lush, no-wave punk pop pioneers The Fastbacks from Seattle. It's hard not to grow fond of such an innocently aggressive collection of cool pop tunes chock full of catchy hooks, loud guitars, and sweet (but nausiatingly sweet) melodies. - Circus Magazine - May 20, 1997

This band takes a grassroots approach to producing quality songs--making them catchy. Kristen McMahon's lively vocals dance to the poppy rhythms of "Now What", "I Can Breathe", and "Everything," as they do for the funky "Vivid Circle." Not focusing on proving individual talent (although it's evident it exists), Disappearing Boy takes a no frills approach and, in the process, prove that simple can be fun. - A.N. - Altar Native

Local alternative band Disappearing Boy plans to release a new CD by mid-summer 1997. After the soldout success of the group's first CD, Loud, Noisy, Pop!, the band has reportedly been in the limelight and receiving attention from several major labels. The group has also received some sort of offer for the production of a video, and plans to be doing one soon.

Disappearing Boy consists of vocalist Kristen McMahon and guitarist David Muxo (both formerly of the group Cat-E-Wampus), with bassist Nate VanHook and drummer Erin Roberds (both formerly of Pug Ugly), along with guitarist Bruce Rains. - Jam Magazine - Scene & Heard - Feb 27, 1997

This is a independently released CD of six pop-punk tracks guaranteed to get your toes tapping even if you're recently deceased. The Maitland band is essentially the surviving elements of Pug Ugly and Cat*e*Wampus. According to vocalist Kristen McMahon, it was simply a matter of a band in search of a rhythm section meeting a rhythm section in search of a band. Truly a match made in heaven.

The half-dozen studio cuts on the CD were chosen because they represent the band's sound in live shows most exactly. All six are solid, up-beat pop pieces with a punkish edge and hooks to die for. "Everything" is worthy of any pop band, anywhere.

McMahon's voice is both innocent and naughty, and devoid of any affectations. She believes in keeping things simple, honest, and direct. The four musicians in the band (Moxy and Bruce on guitars, Nate on bass, and Erin on drums) provide an excellent showcase for her vocal abilities. - Ink Nineteen - Wet Ink - March 1997

Bringing the evening to a close was Disappearing Boy made up of veteran Orlando scene players Moxy and Kristen - formerly of Cat-E-Wampus - along with Erin, Nate, and Bruce. By 1:00 a.m., there were still plenty of chairs filled by a lively crowd who perched near the stage for an extra up-close and personal view. Not straying far from the feel of their current release "Loud, Noisy, Pop!", Disappearing Boy kept the attention of their die-hard fans with their melodic/progressive pop. - Music Forum Magazine - Nov 24, 1996

Local alternative band Disappearing Boy plans to release a new CD by mid-summer 1997. After the soldout success of the group's first CD, Loud, Noisy, Pop!, the band has reportedly been in the limelight and receiving attention from several major labels. The group has also received some sort of offer for the production of a video, and plans to be doing one soon.

Disappearing Boy consists of vocalist Kristen McMahon and guitarist David Muxo (both formerly of the group Cat-E-Wampus), with bassist Nate VanHook and drummer Erin Roberds (both formerly of Pug Ugly), along with guitarist Bruce Rains. - Jam Magazine - Scene & Heard - Feb 27, 1997

With some similarity to her contemporary Traci Bonham, lead vocalist Kristen of Disappearing Boy takes an already more than average band past the mark with her appealing vocal style. The CD puts it's best foot forward on track one with "Now What?", but by no means does it go down hill from there. Although Disappearing Boy may be within the alternative realm, their songs will more than likely be able to ride out any new wave or change in the style of popular music due to their well written pop-styled material. Featured in the new line-up are Kristen (vocals), Moxy (guitar), Bruce (guitar), Nate (bass), and Erin (drums). - Music Forum Magazine - Nov 1996

With some similarity to her contemporary Traci Bonham, lead vocalist Kristen of Disappearing Boy takes an already more than average band past the mark with her appealing vocal style. The CD puts it's best foot forward on track one with "Now What?", but by no means does it go down hill from there. Although Disappearing Boy may be within the alternative realm, their songs will more than likely be able to ride out any new wave or change in the style of popular music due to their well written pop-styled material. Featured in the new line-up are Kristen (vocals), Moxy (guitar), Bruce (guitar), Nate (bass), and Erin (drums). - Music Forum Magazine - Nov 1996

Since the mid 90’s Kristen McMahon and David Muxo have been making music under the moniker Disappearing Boy. Their release Charmed, I'm Sure contains songs that were written recently and others that were created back in the ’90s. The album dabbles in various genres of rock. Post-punk, a little new wave and alternative all seem to fit the bill.

They open with “Wonder” which is a guitar driven song, The energy is upbeat and kinetic as the drums and bass provide the momentum. I immediately appreciated the vocals of McMahon who seems to have a voice tailor made for rock.

“1000 Crazy Dreams” contains cleaner guitars. Something about this just felt very ’90s. The guitar work is technically impressive and meticulously picked. If the song was any faster it would feel rushed but they play it at a perfect tempo.

They mellow out a little bit with “Back Burner Girl” which has an ’80s feel to it. The guitar is drenched in reverb on this track and McMahon’s vocals sound just as good on a ballad. “Whose Child” is a single worthy song with an infectious hook while “Cry Out Loud” is a synth heavy song that has a lot of ethereal, atmospheric elements.

​The band rocks out hard on “Everything” and explores shoegaze with the beautiful “Body Language.” “Please Do,” “Roulette” and the magical sounding “Go Away” continue to create a foundation for the band.

“Charmed, I'm Sure” and “I Can Breathe” are well delivered songs that veer towards a straightforward rock vibe. “I Know” is a gorgeous closer that is nostalgic, melancholy and hopeful.

​I was actually a little surprised how cohesive this album sounded simply because there was such a long time between material. The band pulled this off. Recommended. -