The Companies

MEMBERS & INSTRUMENTS:

Pierre Castro (guitar), Virgil Alvarez (bass), Albert Ayon (drums), Chayo Rios (rhythm guitar, vocals).
CITIES OF ORIGIN:

Chino, San Bernardino, Fontana, Chino Hills.

RECENT RELEASE:

Keep Me in Mind (Rat Bastard Music, 2010).

KINDRED SPIRITS:

From mariachi to Los Bukis to contemporary stuff like Juan Gabriel, plus punk rock (e.g. Dead Kennedys, Misfits, The Exploited), oldies and Art Laboe. But the biggest influence here is Morrissey (in either The Smiths or solo guises).

WEBSITE:

www.myspace.com/thecompanies.


If The Companies happen to remind your ears of cutting-edge musicians hailing from years past, you’re not hearing things.

Chayo Rios, vocalist/guitarist of the local rock-based foursome fully admits that he’s been digging through the styles of yesterday to bring you the sounds of tomorrow. Well, kind of.


“I would describe it as a flashback to your past if you like ’80s New Wave,” he says. “Also, you can expect candle wax on nipples and dancing, a lot of dancing. Well, that’s what we hope for any way.”


Hey, it’s good to be hopeful, as Rios has been working with the group since landing like-minded musicians via Craigslist in early 2009.


“It was like when that gnarly kingpin dude on Enter The Dragon found all those fighters around the world—I’m Bruce Lee, of course,” he explains “It’s been the same lineup ever since, through our first recordings of our EP to our current album.”


That album’s called Keep Me in Mind, a title Rios says encapsulates the release. “A lot of what I write comes from personal relationships and struggles,” he says. “In my life and sometimes, like all of us do, I just want to leave all my problems far behind.”


Perhaps The Companies—named after a Dead Kennedys song—is Rios’ solution, as he describes his wares as “a melancholy vibe with a pop twist, sad at times and upbeat and danceable at others.”


And when the “others” kick in, expect some rug cuttin‘ at The Companies’ gigs, including their forthcoming Angelo’s Pizza stop. “We expect to have fun and nothing else really,” says Rios. “The place is cool, it’s 18 and over and they serve beer, which is great considering there are no real all-ages venues in the IE.”


The Companies has toured up north and back east, however, as Rios notes, they’ve yet to tour with a big headliner. “But, I know Morrissey will call soon,” he says.


Perhaps the Moz isn’t too busy, busy, busy, dialin‘ a cliché? Good thing The Companies are a hopeful bunch.


The Companies at Angelo’s Pizza, 135 E. 2nd St., Pomona, (909) 629-8100. Sat, 9PM. $5.
- Waleed Rashidi

Monday, January 3, 2011The Companies


The Companies are an alternative, rock band from Inland Empire, California. The band is innovative but will throw the fan back to the days of The Cure. In many ways they can be seen as the turning page. In the first sense, the songs are well written in an uplifting fashion that people can really get into. The band has gotten around many venues in the southern California area, and have release a couple of album, while looking to expand their base. The songs are full of energizing rhythms under a complimenting guitar, and soaring vocals that really fills out the sound. This is a four member band that creates a solid indie sound for the ages. The songs are fun, new wave, meaningful, and just a pleasure to listen to on a Monday morning.

Songs I like are "Fantastic Mud," and "Huge Effort." Check them out at their Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/thecompanies

- Paul Ruth @ The Indipendent Music Scene

Featuring a sound that ping pongs between the pop hooks of 80s bands such as the Cure and the Smiths, in combination with the haunting, maudlin elements of the Doors, the companies serve up an eclectic sound. Lead vocalist Chayo Rios, who grew up influenced by American pop culture as well traditional Latin music, blends The Companies rock sound with a style from south of the border. Featuring a coterie of musicians who have cut their teeth in countless other bands, these guys represent decades of musical experience. So check them out at the Commonwealth. Not just for the groovy sounds of the band, but the freaky ever-changing colors of the illuminated bar. - Brandon Ferguson