It is an awesome feeling, seeing good friends achieving some serious success. I’ve seen it happen before, and I’ve been witnessing it lately with my pals in Houston Calls.

I met these dudes during my junior year at Ramapo College, when they were still a ska band by the name of Face First. When their saxophone player had to get his wisdom teeth removed, they dropped me a line, and asked if I’d come fill in for him for a couple of shows. We played some fun shows (and beer pong) with Hidden In Plain View around the area. It was a good time.

After an awesome full length and excellent EP, they decided to reform as Houston Calls, releasing two independent EPs before signing with the giant indie label Drive Thru Records.

They toured like mad in support of their album, A Collection Of Short Stories. They’ve since visited Australia twice, once with Yellowcard and another time with MXPX. They toured the UK with the Plain White Ts. They’ve traveled through out the states with groups like HelloGoodbye, Paramore, and The Junior Varsity. Needless to say, I’m proud of these guys, and it’s always a thrill to work with them.

The guys needed some quick shots for their MySpace. Nothing serious, just something fast, since they have a new guitarist and their old press shots just weren’t doing it anymore. We took some silly ones in my apartment, and some really artsy ones backstage at The Troc. The artsy ones came out horrible, and no one will ever see them. Ever. Don’t ask! Afterwards, we drank some beers and played some serious Nintendo Wii.

Go give them a listen, and fall in love with some good old fashioned pop punk, a blend of Motion City Soundtrack and New Found Glory.

Houston Calls
www.houstoncalls.com
www.myspace.com/houstoncalls
www.purevolume.com/houstoncalls