Fringes

Fringes – Antoonos EP

In 2012, four high school buddies from Ormond Beach, Florida got together and formed the alternative rock band Fringes. In February, the band dropped their energetic and edgy alt rock debut EP, Antoonos. In 2014, Fringes performed at nearly a dozen festivals and venues throughout central Florida, winning first place at the Granada Grand Festival‘s battle of the bands event. Two singles from their debut EP, “My Friends From New York” and “Here” demonstrate the band’s out-of-the-gate talents and prospects. Band members include guitarist and vocalist Max Haberman; drummer Gio Barreto; bassist Travis Hanson and lead guitarist Greyson Rayos. “Indie rock,” Hanson writes, “is about experimentation of instrument techniques, song structures, digital mastering, and musical freedom.” Fringes’ musical influences include Nirvana, The Black Keys, The Orwells, Alice in Chains, Led Zeppelin, and The Strokes.

“My Friends From New York“ – Fringes from Antoonos – Feb. 15th

“Here“ – Fringes from Antoonos

Fringes on Facebook - Indie Rock Cafe

The Fringes brought a whole new sound to the Hard Rock Cafe. Together for only 2 years and 15 gigs, these 4 former high school friends are taking Florida by storm and showing no sign of slowing down. Their indie, bluesy, funky, pop, classic improvisational rock sound is very unique and had the crowd up and out of their seats! This was their first all acoustic show but you would have never known it! I think they should give the acoustic thing a try all the time. Playing only two covers, "Kids" by MGMT and "Knocking on Heaven's Door" by Bob Dylan the rest of the set was all originals including "Hindsight", "My Friends From New York", and "Here". Fringes released an EP this past February, are releasing a single this summer, and hope to release another EP in December. Right now they're focusing on recoring but school's out for summer so if you're looking to book a great band, look no further than Fringes! - Christine Annis

The first song I listened to is "My friends from New York". I just fell in love with the bass line which opens the track. For an introduction, it’s more than successful! This piece is punchy, effective and down right top melodically (pay close attention to the little guitar solo towards the end of the song). We move on to "Here" and "Planet A" in which I find tones and sounds close to those of Nirvana and Blink 182 (my first musicals loves). For vocal technique, it remains in the Nirvana universe of Max’s voice that makes me think of that of Dave Grohl (ex-Nirvana drummer and leader of the (grandiose) Foo Fighters). I really became hooked at the first listening so what more can I say? It’s a very promising young band that I think will go far. Over Rock is ensured! - Over Blog

Fringes played their first show July 11 at The Station in Ormond Beach.

Travis Hanson, Gio Barreto, Max Haberman and Greyson Rayos formed a band in the most unlikely place — statistics class.

The recent Seabreeze High School graduates became Fringes and played their fist gig at The Station, 761 S. Yonge St., July 11. One bartender told them it was fullest she had ever seen the bar.

“It was really fun,” Max Haberman, who plays rhythm guitar and sings, said. “It was our first public performance so it was really cool. We were really surprised by the amount of people who showed up.”

Lead guitarist Greyson Rayos described their band as alternative rock, with some of their influences being The Black Keys and Led Zeppelin.

“All the old school guys and a couple of the new school guys,” Rayos said. “We do some covers but I love the being able to make original music. At our last gig people got really into the music.”

“We got a lot of positive feedback,” Barreto, who plays drums, said. “We have a lot of motivation to keep going but it’s kind of hard right now because we’re going to different colleges but we want to keep playing and hopefully make something out of it. ”

Come fall, Haberman will start at the University of Central Florida, Barreto will start Daytona State College, Hanson will start the University of Florida and Rayos will start Florida State University. But ending the band isn’t even an option for Fringes. In fact, their attitudes about the change are only positive.

“I think we will probably get more connections,” Haberman said. “Hopefully we can expand our horizons.”

“I think the coolest thing would be to live off music,” Barreto said. “To be able to travel and play music together.”

“We want to be able to play as much as possible,” Hanson, bass player, said. “I’m already off to college but we can still come together and play a gig. We can always come back for weekends and breaks. I’ve tried playing music with other people and it’s just not the same.”

“It would be really nice to get some exposure and become well-known,” Rayos said.

The band’s next show will be at a Pajama Jam at the Station 8 p.m., Aug 1. - Ormond Beach Observer