Initially the name Hello From Reno threw me off, as I was somehow under the logical impression that they were an out of town band from Reno , NV .  I know what you’re thinking, because I thought it too; nothing good comes out of Reno , music or otherwise. Thankfully, this band has roots in the four corners of the US , not Reno . The name came from Matt. “I kind of lost my mind, and was telling people I lived in Reno ,” explains Matt.  “I didn’t want people to know where I lived so I was saying ‘Hello from Reno ’ [and] it became a catch phrase”. He tells me they went through a list of names (among them unmentionables like Butter and 1919) but thankfully Hello From Reno stuck.

Hello From Reno is fronted by Jerry Streeter (guitar, vox),Todd O’Keefe  (bass and vox) and Matt Roveto (guitar),.  Matt and Jerry met in ‘99 when the two were in a band together. Todd had met the two in Silverlake at Spaceland shows “back-in-the-day”. There they discussed their love for bands like bands like The Replacements, REM, The Afghan Whigs, Swimming Pool Cues, The Clash, Husker Du, The Beatles, The Smiths, Hoodoo Gurus, and Bob Dylan, just to name a few.  Rounding out the band is David “Jones” Henderson on drums.Now, Jones doesn’t say much, however, He speaks volumes on his Pearl Drum set. The four became a close group of friends, and spontaneously decided to go to San Diego and make a CD just for fun.  Matt explains:  “Once it was done, we decided to do this (start a band) because we love each other, and we love each other’s company and we’re making some magic.” The friends officially became a band in April of 2008 and had their first show at Biacci’s in Upland on July of 2008.

For being a band such a short time these boys have been rather busy. With a west coast tour under their belt, and another one in the works.

With the first self-titled album Hello From Reno got together a week before they were set to record. .

I really dig Hello From Reno’s first album; the lyrics are melodious and memorable. Their cool sound could be described as having element of Brit pop with classic rock fundamentals.  The harmonies in the vocals contrast the melody of the guitars and bass in a very Beatles-esque manner.  There is undoubtedly a dose of indie with a hint of blues integrated into certain songs along the lines of Honeybee and Roy Orbison.  In general, it’s just feel good music that is perfect for any occasion. From a mellow night with friends, next to a ice cold sixer of Stella, to the parking lot of  Mr.Ts Bowl (Stella optional) .

The lyrics are another thing I really love about this band. They touch on everything from love to life experiences. send positive messages out to its listeners.  ”It’s the same ‘be yourself and do what you want’ message that no one is saying anymore,” explains Todd.

Hello From Reno has since recorded another album called Mind Operator. The recording for this album vastly differs from their first album. It has a very mellow undertone that I’m really into. It also has a lot more “je ne sais quoi” than the last one, with more passion and a slight whisper of darkness on certain tracks like the title track “Mind Operator.”  That song sticks out a lot compared to the rest of the tracks. It was a song that I skimmed through at first, but when I revisited it, was blown away by how intricate and incredible it really is. (Not to mention that the killer ending of the song reminds me of The Who.)  The same can be said about “Wasting time.”   It truly is a darkly beautiful song, mellow but the lyrics and harmony in which they are sung really sets a melancholy tone to the track. However dont be under the assumption that this is a monotonous album.  Not all the songs are mellow.  There are a few tracks that totally make me want to jump around and dance, like “It Comes and Goes” or my favorite track of the new album, “Little Johnny.”  It’s about your typical seditious classic American rebel who wants a change.

Little Johnny is a rebel, oh boy/He wants to make a change/He hears you talking nice and level/He gets so bored/He wants to rearrange

I know that we all have identified with Johnny at one point in our lives; that feeling that comes when you feel like what you’re currently doing isn’t going anywhere or just isn’t working for you anymore. Its the point you come to when you just want to say “fuck it,” and really make a change, whether it be with your scenery, your look, your ways, or (if you want to go deeper) your life.  As I have said before, music is art and is therefore open to interpretation. While I may see it in this philosophical light someone else might see it as a coming-of-age, finding-your-way kind of song.  Whatever the case, it rocks.

. They genuinely enjoy what they are doing and it completely shines through their music and projects onto their audience. They have the courage to be themselves, which among Los Angeles bands is a rarity. Or check out samples of their music at www.myspace.com/TheRealHelloFromReno. Until Next month keep your eyes closed and your ears open.

Published 12.08 for The Arroyo Seco Journal