Nakatomi Plaza
with / The End of the World, History, & Palantine
November 17, 2006
New World Brewery
Words: MacKenzie Pause
Photos: Shane Walsh

This November, Nakatomi Plaza will leave the concrete confines of Brooklyn and head out in support of their upcoming Red Leader Records release, “Unsettled.†The record comes out January 30, concluding a long, arduous process of label shopping.

“We’d been talking to labels of all sizes for over a year,†Oscar Rodriguez (guitar/vocals) said. “It was tough to weed out who was serious and who was all talk. RLR were the only ones who would match us in the amount of work we've already put into this project, and they're certainly giving us more attention than some of the larger labels would have.â€

“Unsettled†began with J. Robbins, who has produced numerous bands, such as Jawbox, Burning Airlines, Engine Down, Braid and Shiner.

“I thought it was a total pipe dream,†Rodriguez said. “But in the winter of 2004, we found ourselves at Jarvis Studios with J. Robbins behind the board.â€

NP knows it takes more than a great producer and label support for a successful release.

“Touring allows us to bring our music directly to other people,†Rodriguez said. “I think that kind of interaction is special and not something you can get just by listening to an mp3 on MySpace.â€

“No CD can beat seeing a band live,†added Lou Maiolica (drums).

The band has toured consistently since their formation in 1998 and they have seen it all. While Al Fair (bass/vocals) drove through North Carolina, she was surprised by a naked man masturbating on an overpass.

“He had a big beard, a trucker hat, socks and shoes,†Fair recollected.

Georgia gave NP a different welcome. While racist punks yelled threats during their set, they continued to play. Once they finished, their roadie, Jay, suggested they get going.

“It was later revealed that the group had weapons, including a switchblade and, are you ready for this, a shotgun,†Rodriguez recalled.

When their lives aren’t being threatened, they are playing a brand of post punk/hardcore rock that is innovative and complex. With male/female vocals and intricate guitar melodies, comparisons range from Pretty Girls Make Graves to At The Drive-In.

“I want to have a multitude of sonic possibilities with the guitar,†Rodriguez said. “Which is also why I use as many effects pedals as I do. Lyrically, we strive to write songs with personal themes that are framed by the socio-political climate.â€

NP’s unique sound and DIY attitude created a dedicated fan base for the New Yorkers and paved the path for the band’s future.

“We've met and played for a lot of wonderful people, and they've all helped us in some way,†Rodriguez said. “Being in a band like ours and surviving is hard enough. The odds are totally against you and you really need the support that the DIY community provides.â€

Nakatomi Plaza stops in Tampa on November 17 at New World Brewery. Witness the rock, buy some of their merch, or just give them a high five.

For more information check out: www.nakatomiplaza.com