The Phenomenauts

Imagine if the The Kinks, Devo, Stray Cats and The Ventures were galactic pioneers and joined forces to defend earth's right to "rocket roll." Combine that with a fast driving blend of punk, pop, rockabilly, solid songwriting and a smart Sci-Fi theme and you've got one of San Francisco's most talked about bands, The Phenomenauts.

Conceived in the amazing year 2000, The Phenomenauts gained early recognition as the east bay's "craftiest and bravest band" (East Bay Express) for their now infamous commando-style performances in which they set up in front of large music venues and perform rollicking sets for unsuspecting crowds. These early "missions" gained them a loyal following and landed them on the cover of multiple bay area publications including The San Francisco Weekly, The East Bay Express and Independent Musician Magazine. In 2003, the Phenomenauts pulled off their most impressive commando run to date where they literally scammed their way into the 2003 Warped Tour.

"We showed up at six in the morning, and we pretty much just followed the line of buses in," says major Jimmy Boom, drummer. "The next morning, we got up and cooked everybody breakfast in Portland. The first people we hit actually made the passes. We brought them breakfast burritos right where they were making credentials and they took our picture, gave us passes and we stayed on the tour for a month and a half."

The following year, the band did not need a spatula or breakfast burritos to gain entry. With rock solid musicianship and undeniable showmanship, they impressed Warped Tour founder Kevin Lyman so much, they received an official invitation to the Vans Warped Tour 2004. Having just completed the two month run, the band earned critical acclaim and out of 98 bands The Philadelphia Inquirer noted that "The Phenomenauts and Flogging Molly were among the best of the tour... playing a swinging amalgam of dusty garage rock and new wave."

The Phenomenauts also gained recognition from their peers with shout-outs on stage from NoFx's lead singer Fat Mike as "one of the best bands on tour." Local Oakland heroes Green Day are long time fans and have been spotted helping to sell the band's merchandise after shows.

The current line-up is: Commander Angel Nova, vocals/guitar; Corporal Joe Bot, vocals/guitar; Major Jimmy Boom, drums; Captain Chreehos, stand-up bass; and Professor Greg Arius on key's and effects. The Phenomenauts are more than a band; they are a lifestyle. They call their shows "missions" and their fans "cadets" who are consider part of the show. The Phenomenauts set the tone for a rising subculture of fans that want less cynicism and more hope and anticipation for the future.