Although Austin always lays claim to being the musical capital of Texas (and it does boast a hefty number of retired Rolling Stone critics who maintain the legend), Denton and Dallas have always had important musical "scenes". Denton gave the world the fine, fine Brave Combo (world-famed for their fusion of jazz, polka and Doors classics). In the mid and late Eighties, Dallas produced Deep Ellum: a site where, before its venues were air-conditioned, bands like The Buck Pets played their original gigs.
Now, Deep Ellum offers not only air conditioning but Valet Parking. Yet Denton (30 miles north) has produced a special sound locally dubbed The Fraternity of Noise. It includes Brutal Juice, Baboon and Caulk (caulk, Euro-readers, is the white stuff you squeeze between bathroom tiles which hardens). Probably the primo party band -- not to mention Air Guitar Band of the Year Thus Far -- of this trio is Caulk, whose vocalist/drummer Aden outsrips even Krist Novoselic at a height of almost seven feet. Caulk's excellent CD is out now and they can be heard on:
'We're From Texas (And You're Not)' Vols I and II (Vol III is now in preparation) from Scratched Records PO Box 800867, Dallas, Texas 75380-0867 USA).
'Learn To Take', Caulk, One Ton Records, P.O. Box 871611, Dallas, Texas 75287 USA; tel (US) 214-621-7136. Or contact Aden at: 1706 W Oak St, Denton, Texas 76201 USA; tel (US) 817-380-0675.
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