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[Local Scene]

Getting to know garage dad-rockers Par

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Par is “garage-y, a little lo-fi.”
Jason Harris

Lineup: Singer/guitarist/songwriter Kevin Hejmanowski, bassist Bryan Thomas and drummer Charlie Mabel. The band’s been around since 2005, but the current lineup coalesced four years ago.

Sound: ’90s college rock, the type of you might find on the Reality Bites or Empire Records soundtracks. Says bassist Thomas, “Garage-y, a little lo-fi.” The group might also be described as “dad rock,” since all three members have kids—and Thomas, 54, has one grandchild.

Spin: “I Will,” with pacing and guitar/bass interplay reminiscent of Marquee Moon-era Television.

Influences: A wide range, from The Smashing Pumpkins to Roxy Music to the Grateful Dead.

Why they seem to be building momentum now: “Desperation,” according to Thomas. “We have very mature people in the band. We all have good, clear heads. Do you want to be a rock star and sputter out like an explosion or do you want to just have fun? I play from the heart, to have fun.”

Goals: Thomas says the band has a clear plan. “To come out with another CD, market it and play locally as much as possible. Not going out on a nationwide tour; just playing in dive bars and having a good time.”

Next Show: December 26 at the Bunkhouse as part of a local tribute night to The Rolling Stones. The three-piece will cover “2000 Man” and “Hang Fire.”

Social media: Parmusic.net. “We also have a Facebook page,” Thomas says, “but good luck finding that.”

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