You might think that guitarists Eric Bemberger and Chris Hughes of the punk band Beep Beep were listening to a lot of the Misfits when they were young. But instead, think Alison Krauss and Journey.
"I'm interested in a lot of folk and bluegrass," said Hughes. "Tim Buckley, Alison Krauss — but also the classics, like the Rolling Stones. And then I'm into P.J. Harvey. So, I have a lot of things in my mind."
For Bemberger, it was Journey. "Then that led to metal and I got into Slayer and the Cryptic Slaughter," he said. "Those led me to punk. And then I found Sonic Youth. Sonic Youth was the band that scared me to death, and I loved them. I was totally obsessed with them — and I still love them."
The love of making music is what got the band Beep Beep together after a few line-up changes. The band has only been together for three years, and the current line-up is Hughes, Bemberger, bassist Joel Petersen (who moonlights as the Faint's bassist) and drummer Mike Sweeney.
"We were wanting to write some fun songs," said Bemberger. "But I hate writing. And so it didn't get to be any fun. So we decided to amuse ourselves, and that's how we make songs. Chris is a good lyricist, but he's also a very nasty boy. And when our record came out, none of our friends were surprised that some of the songs were suggestive."
About his hating to write songs, Bemberger said he was relieved to find that other, more famous songwriters also find it tedious. "I'm not comparing myself with Leonard Cohen, but I read an interview with him, and he literally has to lock himself in a room and pound out some words," said Bemberger. "And even after it's all done, he's not happy with the finished product, but has decided to live with it. That made me feel good that he didn't like to write songs."
When the band was making its debut album "Business Casual," a collection of tunes with themes ranging from voyeurism to sexual politics to youthful restlessness, Hughes said he didn't listen to any music except what they had recorded. "I didn't want anything to influence me while making the album. So I stopped listening to everything. It helped."
ASK POLYSICS — the Japanese space-punk band — about musical influences other than Devo, and leader Hiro Hayashi will tell you that everything is his influence.
"A lot of '80s new wave punk influenced my imagination," Hayashi said through an interpreter by phone from Tokyo. "I'm 26 years old, and throughout those years, I've listened to anime music, heavy metal, techno — all different types. And everything I hear helps me."
Polysics — comprised of Hayashi, drummer Yano, bassist Fumi and keyboardist Kayo — has developed a strong fan base from its American and European tours.
"All the places we play have all different nationalities," said Hayashi. "But everyone has supported us. And supported our music. That is something that I'm thankful for.
"I hope the people in Salt Lake City will come see our performance. With the album ('Polysics or Die') listeners can hopefully find a place they have never known. And when they see us, they can have a good experience."
If you go
What: Beep Beep, Polysics
Where: Kilby Court, 741 S. 330 West
When: Thursday, 7:30 p.m.
How much: $5
Phone: 320-9887
Web: www.kilbycourt.com
E-mail: scott@desnews.com