The Washdown

Hailing from Tampa, the Washdown is comprised of vocalist Michael Waksman, guitarist Gregg Schmidt, drummer Heath Dupras, bass player Bryan Bates, and second guitarist Ryan Hess. Together they derive a noisy, punk-inspired sound similar to the likes of the Sun, the Hives, and the Brian Jonestown Massacre but without a contrived persona. In 2002, the Washdown released their self-titled EP on Lookout. An early winter run through the States with Swedish rock darlings Sahara Hotnights followed, as well as an appearance at South by Southwest in March 2003. ~ MacKenzie Wilson