What a difference a year can make! The guys in Of Limbo have come a long way since a death defying accident last year. For any other band, this could have been the end. Not for these guys! They have an unwavering commitment to their craft of creating and delivering rocking tunes for the masses. The band is getting ready to play an opening show for none other than Blue Oyster Cult. Things are really starting to pop for them! Of Limbo consists of brothers Jake and Luke Davies who are the primary writers for the group. Jake composes the lyrics and Luke comes up with the riffs. Speaking of riffs, Luke received musical training at Berklee College of Music in Boston and he has been endorsed by Schecter Guitars. Herbie Brady (Bass, Vocals) and Juan Paz (Drums) complete the musical team.
I recently had the chance to see them play the world famous Viper Room and more locally in their home town of Long Beach. Both shows were full of their classics as well as some new material. At the Viper Room they surprised the crowd with three yet unreleased songs: “Running Out of Time”, “My Kind of Girl” and “Alibi”. In Long Beach their eight song set was again full of new and old. “Get on it” was the newest. They finished with the classic Long Beach tune “Regulate”, which they dedicated to their home town homies. Of Limbo always deliver tons of energy and FUN!! They pride themselves on interacting with the crowd and making the show a maximum party for everyone. Jake will get the crowd singing along to their bluesy grooves and Luke will take his guitar into the crowd either surfing or rubbing shoulders whichever fits the situation.
Of Limbo are also extremely gracious to their fans. They make time to interact and appreciate those who have come out to support them. I was lucky enough to be invited to an intimate setting where I could interview Jake and Luke about their upcoming plans and learn more about how they make the music.
Rock Documented: Tell us about the writing process.
First of all, we start with a riff or a concept. From there we add in the lyrics. We like to experiment with different AXE effects and synthesized tones. If it is too similar to something we or someone else has done, we will throw it out.
RD: What music did you listen to growing up?
We grew up with a lot of 90’s influences like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Metallica, Audioslave and Stevie Ray Vaughn. We love this type of music and felt that in today’s music culture there was a niche for us since we know many others loved and missed it too. A few bands out there such as Joyous Wolf and Them Evils are having success with this type of inspired rock sound. We don’t want to be formula driven like some that have commercial success. We are motivated musically by the 80’s and 90’s but we want to be new and modern with a pristine, clean sound.
RD: Tell us how you pick your covers?
We want a complete reinvention. We will take something like an Elton John or Warren G song and change the key, cords, time signatures and make it ours. “Viva Las Vegas” off our EP Nicotine is good example of how we like to do this.
RD: What are some of your musical guilty pleasures?
Laughing, they admitted to loving Brittany Spears, “Toxic” and Michael Jackson.
Of Limbo came up with their name one night over cocktails and conversation. They were feeling a little off kilter, Left of Limbo. Which was shortened to Of Limbo. It fits, they are a fun bunch of guys that don’t want to be stereotyped or pigeon holed. They want to be original and ignite the energy in each one of us through their live performances.
The guys just finished preparing a new EP for us at the end of May, so now we must have patience and wait to see what blasters they have in store for us. Meanwhile catch them in Tucson with Blue Oyster Cult and next opening for Hinder on select dates including a gig at the renowned Sturgis Bike Week festivities.
