Before joining the current incarnation of the Mr. T Experience, guitarist Ted Angel fronted his own band; the Mallrats. Based out of Sacramento, California the trio fallowed the Beatle-boot footsteps of hometown heroes the Decibels and E-Types. 60's rooted power pop drawing influence from mod-revival acts ala the Jam and Lambrettas, 90's mod-punk groups like the Odd Numbers, Gain and Hi-Fives and pop punk favorites MTX and Sweet Baby. The Mallrats were Rickenbacker pop at it's finest.
Originally, the boys wore their influences on their sleeves (literally), dawning suits and ties to match their heroes. Ted, bassist Adam and drummer Steele were considered upstarts and heirs to the Decibels' more or less vacant thrown, so much in fact, they were even signed by the same German record label (Screamin' Apple) that put out the Decibel's first album and recorded by Decibels' producer Bart Thurber.
Their debut album "Fall in Love All Over Again with..." is one of the best power pop albums of it's time. Often forgotten in favor of the Exploding Hearts' perfect debut LP (on Screamin' Apple coincidentally) and their heart breaking departure, the Mallrats were a prime example of the lighter and almost wholesome side of the genre. They were the Shoes of their era. The Rubinoos of their generation. The Heats of their class.
Shortly after releasing the album a European tour was booked. It was at this point Steele's personal problems began to wear on the band. Adam and Ted opted to replace Steele with former Groovie Ghoulies drummer, Jaz Brown, and embarked on their trip abroad. Along the way they lost their suits and the band's song writing began to show signs of maturity. Ted had joined MTX by this point and was working closely with frontman Dr. Frank so naturally his compositions began to showcase clever plays on words and more focus on song craft and performance rather than strong riffs and fun beats. By the time they returned home to Sacramento Ted had several new songs he could not wait to introduce to the rest of the band. He recorded several of these songs playing all the instruments himself in his apartment on 33rd St. (Oak Park's official "no ho zone" [a local reference only 916 residents will appreciate]). However before the songs were ever properly recorded, the band quietly disbanded with everyone pursuing their own projects.
Though only officially releasing one album and two Christmas songs for a local comp, and accompanied by both their original demo and the 33rd St sessions the band left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be privy to their sounds.
Originally, the boys wore their influences on their sleeves (literally), dawning suits and ties to match their heroes. Ted, bassist Adam and drummer Steele were considered upstarts and heirs to the Decibels' more or less vacant thrown, so much in fact, they were even signed by the same German record label (Screamin' Apple) that put out the Decibel's first album and recorded by Decibels' producer Bart Thurber.
Their debut album "Fall in Love All Over Again with..." is one of the best power pop albums of it's time. Often forgotten in favor of the Exploding Hearts' perfect debut LP (on Screamin' Apple coincidentally) and their heart breaking departure, the Mallrats were a prime example of the lighter and almost wholesome side of the genre. They were the Shoes of their era. The Rubinoos of their generation. The Heats of their class.
Shortly after releasing the album a European tour was booked. It was at this point Steele's personal problems began to wear on the band. Adam and Ted opted to replace Steele with former Groovie Ghoulies drummer, Jaz Brown, and embarked on their trip abroad. Along the way they lost their suits and the band's song writing began to show signs of maturity. Ted had joined MTX by this point and was working closely with frontman Dr. Frank so naturally his compositions began to showcase clever plays on words and more focus on song craft and performance rather than strong riffs and fun beats. By the time they returned home to Sacramento Ted had several new songs he could not wait to introduce to the rest of the band. He recorded several of these songs playing all the instruments himself in his apartment on 33rd St. (Oak Park's official "no ho zone" [a local reference only 916 residents will appreciate]). However before the songs were ever properly recorded, the band quietly disbanded with everyone pursuing their own projects.
Though only officially releasing one album and two Christmas songs for a local comp, and accompanied by both their original demo and the 33rd St sessions the band left a lasting impression on those lucky enough to be privy to their sounds.
Pop Punk