"The
guys and girls in the scooter scene are into the '60s vibe."
The
Pressure is, bar none, the best '60s-style ska-and-rocksteady band in
Pittsburgh. Of course, The Pressure is basically the only '60s-style
ska-and-rocksteady band in Pittsburgh.
"It's
often like, ‘What shows can we play where we just play by ourselves?'"
says guitarist and founding member David Riel. "We play a lot of shows
where we do two sets, or play with [DJs] we know who spin this kind of music.
There are a couple of more third-wave ska bands we've played with, but I think
when we play, their fans feel like they're watching the oldies channel or
something."
The
Pressure has been holding down the subgenre since forming in 2008; Riel founded
the band, singer Mz. Annie M. came soon after, and the rest of the band has
come on board since, after a few lineup changes. The current roster took form
when Eric Mazurak moved to Pittsburgh from Detroit and joined; he writes most
of the band's material now, and recorded The Pressure's new LP and 7-inch
single, both of which are being released on March 1.
Riel and
Mazurak had already known each other through the vintage-scooter scene — which
plays a big role in the band, as folks who care about vintage scooters tend
also to know a thing or two about vintage music.
"The
guys and girls in the scooter scene are into the '60s vibe," says Riel.
"They know the ska and reggae of that era. We always try to play shows at
scooter rallies."
While it
can be lonely out there in Pittsburgh for an old-school ska band, though, there
are some advantages. When an old-school ska or reggae name comes through town
on tour, The Pressure is an obvious choice to open the show — the band has been
booked with the likes of The English Beat and Toots and the Maytals.
"I like
to think it's not just because we're the only ones around here doing this,
though," Riel says with a laugh. "I like to think it's because we're
good."
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