50Watt Stereo

Reviewed by: Nina Munizaga

With so many artists trying to 'make it' in the biz, bands itching for the spotlight in underground music circuits - particularly South Florida's - are more common than breast implants on South Beach. Nevertheless, the men who make up 50Watt Stereo, a Miami-based emo-sounding alternative rock group, are ready, willing, and able to make their mark in the alternative music scene.

Dressed more attractively than your typical garage-band, the members of 50Watt Stereo - singer-songwriter Steven Burgos, guitarist Eddie Guzman, bassist Roly Aleman and drummer Josey Hernandez - sit at a side table among the Saturday night crowd in a busy Coconut Grove bar, waiting to play their set. The story behind the name was nothing short of inspiration; it was discovered while listening to a Bob Dylan song on a 50watt stereo.

With the likes of celebrated artists Lou Reed, Counting Crows, Psychedelic Furs, and Echo and the Bunny Men influencing their music, the band's songs embrace sweet harmonies, catchy hooks and tuneful riffs. Throw together the sounds of the late 80s and early 90s, alternative bands like Psychedelic Furs and Counting Crows along with the vibe of R.E.M., and you got 50Watt Stereo.

The four have been playing together about a year now, yet the chemistry between them and ease with which they play makes you think its been longer. One reason is because none of the members are new to the scene; Burgos previously fronted a band called The Preachers, Guzman and Aleman played with Orlando-based Misery She Loves, and Hernandez was in the outfit The Gimmicks. Another is friendship: soon after founders Burgos and Guzman were introduced by a mutual friend and musician in 2001, the two hit if off, both in and out of the studio.

Eddie Guzman, 50Watt Stereo's nimble-fingered lead guitarist, feels a deep connection with his fellow players. "When we're rehearsing at the studio or playing on stage, the vibe we've got is really intense…it's definitely all about the music," says Guzman. All the players agree; deep-rooted passion for the craft is what makes the band work.

When watching them play, you get a reminiscence of underground alternative rock bands of the early 90s - lyric-writing style and vocals similar to that of rock 'n' roll legend Lou Reed along with fast paced, catchy hooks - although its hard to pinpoint the sound exactly. Borderline Emo best describes this band: think up-tempo, high-energy version of Coldplay.

The band, which was recently played on WVUM 90.5FM, is in the midst of recording an album and geared up to tour the state and possibly Europe shortly. In the meantime, you can catch them on the Internet. To listen to 50Watt Stereo's music, visit the band's website at www.mp3.com/50wattstereo or, sign up for their email list for info on the band and any upcoming shows at www.50wattstereo@bellsouth.net.

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