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Now in 2013, there are so many photos being taken, and so many places to share these images, that it has over saturated the market. There are still some bands that are taking hold of this strategy. Witch brings me to my point. Here locally there are a couple of groups who stand at the forefront of imagery and art. These bands bring together art and music in such a way, they can only be compared to the likes of Alice, or Gwar.
First is a relatively new band here in the valley…2 In the Chest. Formed in July of 2011, 2
In the Chest have made quite a name for themselves already. When you go see a show it’s like pushing open the 
batwing
doors of some eighteenth century saloon, bellying up to the bar, and
listening to stories from the old west. Everything the band does is part
of that story. The characters, the clothes, the vibe…all are pieces to
the incredible puzzle that this band has put together. From beginning to
end their set is a journey through the past, and just like any good
western…it is always entertaining. They have a great eye for art and how
to tie it in with the music that they write. Fronted by Reverend Blackjack 
McBride, this trio makes every show well worth the cover to get in. Both audibly and visually…you will not be disappointed. With Dr. Dagmar Jordanian on the bass, and Velvet DeBlonko, on the drums 2 In the Chest know
how to put on a show! With their hard driving sound and their ghostly
theatrics, they are sure to entertain. Their much anticipated EP , Dirt Nap,
is due out later this year, and I am sure that there is a lot more to
come from this band. Check out their website for a closer look at 2 In the Chest! www.2inthechest.com. Be sure to listen for a full interview with the band on ourcityradio, very soon..
ARIZONA DIVE SCENE
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Band: 2 in the Chest ~ Rock
This is 2 in the Chest:
Velvet (Rachel Barela) ~ Drums
Sancho(Frank Murguia) ~ Bass/BK Vocals
Reverand Black (Rich Ornelas) ~ Guitar/Lead Vocals
You guys have very diverse musical backgrounds, how did you meet?
“Rachel and I met at a metal show and hit it off right away. We went out with each other for a few months and at that time we just started jamming together. After about 3 years we decided to look for a bass player to complete our power trio. We
placed an ad on Craigslist and while looking at other we found a guy
looking for a guitar player, I said to him too bad you don't need a
drummer and a guitar player. He
said that he would be willing to come by and jam. We did just that and
bam we hit it off right away and that's how Casey entered the band.”
Rachel is an amazing drummer, and a lady to boot! Who doesn’t want to see a rock band with a fem drummer? I would describe her skillset as lithe-furious, like that of a mythical fury from the mythos of the Greek community. Despite the general cantankerous sound of drums she spins a graceful and very punk beat for her stringed counterparts. “I
think she liked rush and the drummer of that band got her going,”
recalls Rich. She has been in bands such as: Whiskey Rain, Saguaro, Skin
Witch, Merra’s Fate, Breakfast of Champions and Lori Bravo Raped. While
starting as a young age, her skills grew over time . Her accomplishments include heat strokes 3rd and 4th in annual drum competitions. She also had her name immortalized in print, as she was mentioned in Modern Drummer Magazine.
Standing firm, steady and with a quickly coordinated set of fingers, Franks bass brings the band’s power trio into a deep melodic trance. Playing off both Rachel’s drums and Rich’s guitar it creates one of the most hypnotic live shows I’ve seen. His vocals, secure and thoughtful, bring a very austere element to the band’s package.
Born in Oakland California, Frank
has spent almost his lifetime in music. Frank started as a local roadie, worked back
stage at Roadrunner Staging and Mountain Productions participated in the Bass Institute of Technology's summer session.
Frank has spent years playing with numerous heavy groove bands such as Phantom White,Idly Rove,Boodaloo,One Night Stand, and Pure Grain
When invited to sit in on sessions with Rachel and Rich, it was love at first
sound. Frank's musical inspiration includes Aerosmith, Blues Traveler,Black Sabbath,Buchcherry,Audioslave,Led Zepplin to name a few
has spent almost his lifetime in music. Frank started as a local roadie, worked back
stage at Roadrunner Staging and Mountain Productions participated in the Bass Institute of Technology's summer session.
Frank has spent years playing with numerous heavy groove bands such as Phantom White,Idly Rove,Boodaloo,One Night Stand, and Pure Grain
When invited to sit in on sessions with Rachel and Rich, it was love at first
sound. Frank's musical inspiration includes Aerosmith, Blues Traveler,Black Sabbath,Buchcherry,Audioslave,Led Zepplin to name a few
Despite being in the music scene longer than the other two in the band, he has not been in many others. This, my dear readers, is because he became dedicated to each band he was part of for long periods of time. In the beginning, he was a member of a Christian band called Heaven’s Metal. This
lasted a few months, until he met a band called Sacrificial Death, a
stark contrast from the former band in tone and spirit. He joined as the bass player, and this is where it is said his “real” music career started. How did this holier subgenre of rock vary from it’s darker counterpart? In his own words, “\One word: a lot less violent.” This band stayed together for quite a few years, changing the name in the process. Everything
was on the up and up, until complications arose for band members and
the band ultimately had to go it’s separate ways.
Rich continued loving and making music, however he did not join another band until he met Rachel several years later. Thus 2 in the Chest was given life…
How would you describe the dive music scene in Arizona?
“Well, I think there is and has always been an issue with the clubs. They
are always uptight when the bands don't bring in people, when it is the
venue’s responsibility to keep their bar full every day. The
bands should be paid no matter what. If you think about it who in their
right mind is going to come to each and every show that we do? That is just not going to happen. If a venue wants to succeed it’s their responsibility to advertise.”
Who are some the bands you have done shows with?
“Spin doctors, deliverance, tourniquet, Flotsom and Jetsom and a few other I can’t remember right of the top of my head.”
Is there a favorite?
“Pantera Bio mechanical are my favorites” (Rich)
As a band what have you released? UPDATE NEW CD IS AVAILABLE CLICK HERE
“We are a new act and have not released anything as of yet but we do have full intentions of doing so.” So, unfortunately, my earful friends, I am unable to share music with you here. There is, however, a YouTube channel you can check out their live sets and practice tapes on. YouTube 2 in the Chest
Is there a club you prefer to do shows at more than any other?
“There are so many great venues out there its hard to name just one.”
A recommended local place to eat, by Reverend Black: “Well I like May Garden in West Phoenix.
Channel into your inner psychic, tell us where you see the band in the future...
“Well, if we get the investors, there is no limit to what 2 IN THE CHEST can do. We have a great deal of concept ideas that will explode if given the finances to make it happen.”
So, my friends, there you have it. My new favorite local band, and a great one at that. Enjoy their music on YouTube YouTube 2 in the Chest
