::CAPTAIN SQUEEGEE AND THE SOAP SUDS::

Hailing from all over the East Valley of sunny Phoenix, Arizona, comes a band by the name of Captain Squeegee and the Soap Suds. Fusing rock, blues, jazz and ska into one eclectic mix, Captain Squeegee is sure to make for a good listen. The current lineup, playing together since around 2005 (though the band started back in 2002), began to change the ultra-ska sound of the original Soap Suds crew. Their sophomore release, Behind the Metal and Metric Pace, marked the beginning of something unprecedented for the band. The album, a 6 song release clocking in at just over 27 minutes, is one of the best investments you can make with $10. The album, highlighted by songs such as "Securely Caged", which, being their single, is packed with tight harmonies and explosive choruses (if you haven't heard this song, head over to their MySpace and listen to it...now), "Now That It's Over" which showcases the vocal talent of singer Danny Torgersen, and the album closer, "Ignite It", a wonderful tune that keeps the momentum created by the entire album going until the last second.

The 7-piece lineup consists of Danny Torgersen (vocals, trumpet), Kory McCarthy (guitars), Austen Mack (guitars, keys, vocals), Chris Hoskins (tenor saxophone), Mat Maloy (drums), Tyler Carlblom (bass), and Ryan Sims (trombone). You might think, "7 members in a band? That's way too much." It isn't. Without every contribution from every member in the band, this band would not be where it is today. There is also another thing that desperately needs to be addressed: the live show. By far one of the better live shows I have seen, this band uses every inch of stage to bring one of the premier live acts of the valley. If ever you see a flyer, catch word of, or feel like seeing/hearing a great performance, go check out a Captain Squeegee show. The band currently has a new song posted on their MySpace entitled "Somethin'", which almost has a 50's surf rock sound in the beginning and builds to the chorus, where we find the poignant lyrics "Wouldn't it be somethin'/Somethin', To start over new?/And the only thing that's stopping me/Is the thought of stopping you". These guys deserve all the attention you can give, so the next time you feel like feeling good, give these guys a listen.

Photo Credits: Janet Zhou (http://www.janetzhou.com)