30 Day Warranty is a power pop/punk band that's constantly growing and developing.
It came together during spring break 1999 when Brad Villemagne (bass) invited his friend David Boyland (drums) over to his house to jam. (Both had been in bands that weren't going anywhere.) David's neighbor BJ Nagel (guitar and lead vocals) soon joined in, and the band's lineup was formed.
The three Midlothian High School students got off to a quick start, practiced incessantly and soon recorded an eight-song cassette titled "One Voice." The band has played numerous shows around town promoting its "radio-friendly, energetic style." It recently finished recording and producing its first CD release, "Songs Before EP."
The CD contains six songs, including the driving title track, "Songs Before"; "Flame of Resistance"; "Jahnke Road"; "Old Heroes"; "When I Said Forever"; and "Cheers."
Some highlights of the album include the rebellious "Flame of Resistance"; the pounding "Old Heroes"; and "Cheers," which is a reworking of the theme song to the 1980s sitcom.
Band members agree that their new CD shows the group has grown a lot musically and reached a turning point in substance and style. Said David: "It straight-up rocks more."
Some of 30 Day Warranty's fans agree.
"I constantly see their talents growing, especially with their new songs "When I Said Forever" and "Old Heroes," said Crystal Neilson, a friend of the band.
With this CD, Brad (a senior) said, "the main difference was that we took our time, unlike our previous cassette where we rushed it out in a period of two weeks. We're really positive about this new CD. We've really opened up to a lot of new styles and experimented a lot more."
They also attribute the success of their new CD to their producer, John Demaio at Annex Studios. The band is self-managed, but it is looking for independent record companies to support it. Early in its career, the band turned down a record company offer because members were unsure about selling their music so soon. Now they're just "waiting for the right label."
The band's influences are diverse, including local artists, such as Inquisition and River City High, and national artists that include Blink 182, Green Day, the Goo Goo Dolls and Eric Clapton.
David, a junior, explained: "We're a product of the Richmond scene in that we can relate to [local bands], and we admire them greatly. Part of the excitement for me is getting to play with some of the great local artists that we've always looked up to."
30 Day Warranty and its members are impressive in their own right.
BJ, a senior, can play almost any punk, rock or oldies song after just having listened to it. David's drum work has been described by a reviewer as being "impressive and tight," and Brad's bass playing has been known to pack a punch. The band's concerts have been described as energetic and exciting with the members displaying powerful stage presence.
Where does Brad see the band headed?
"I can't see us just shelving the band when BJ and I graduate in June. It means a whole lot to me; BJ and David and I really see us going somewhere."
BJ agreed.
"I see us pushing the limits and going on national tours, occasionally touring in Europe," he said.
For more information about the band, visit its Web site at www.30daywarranty.com The site features sound clips, lyrics, pictures and more. E-mail the band at thirtydayrva@yahoo.com or call it at (804) 794-3089.
