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Vacaville Reporter Proon Harvests Some Harmonies: Local band puts its straightforward rock onto a debut CD By Richard Bammer Form a rock 'n' roll band, write original songs, rehearse three chords, release a CD and nurture delusions of grandeur. Members of local rock band Proon have done it all except the latter. They can't spare the time or interest to fantasize about groupies waiting backstage, rides in white stretch limousines or big paydays after a stadium concert. Four men in their early 20s, Proon subscribes to the simple idea of first things first. "We're just trying to get our press kit ready," said Scott Vaughn of Vacaville, the band's guitarist, laughing mildly at the thought. Merely handing out copies of their self-produced debut CD, the five-song "Foreword," is not enough to impress club owners, recording label executives or the media, he said. Meanwhile the band -- besides Vaughn, Victor Balta, Ken Cuozzo and Curtiss Pflager -- continues to compose songs, to rehearse, to prepare for its next recording and to accept the casual gig. Since coming together 14 months ago, the musicians have landed two club dates, at Perkin's Station in Sacramento and Garbeau's Dinner Theatre in Rancho Cordova. Like the name of the group's first release, it's simply a beginning and nothing more, said Balta, a Vacaville resident who is the band's drummer. Still, to say the band does not have some aspirations would be disingenuous, he said. "We want to start playing in and around Sacramento. Hopefully, something will happen," Balta said. "Sure, a record deal would be nice. I don't know anyone who would turn down a record deal." Deejays may call Proon's sound alternative rock, but it may not fit neatly into that cubbyhole, said Balta, a student at California State University, Sacramento. "Alternative? I don't even know what that means anymore," he said. "It's not punk, it's not alternative. It's just a solid sound." Fair statement, considering the sound of "Foreword," which owes a sonic debt to, say, R.E.M. or Sacramento's Cake. On the band's own Cancer Records label, "Foreword" was recorded and mixed at Vacaville's Soundfarm Recording Studios. Musically and lyrically, Proon's sound is unadorned and straightforward. Not surprising, since the band is three pieces with Cuozzo on vocals and Pflager laying down bass grooves. A mix of guitar-charged rockers and slower, reflective ballads, the CD boasts songs about sex and its emotional consequences ("Alright With Me"); relationships that make us think ("The Secret"); dealing with fear and the mind's darker recesses ("Monster"); relationships on the skids ("Don't Smile"); and dealing with life's pain ("Resonance"). According to Balta, the band preaches no moral message in its music. Telling stories remains the key element for a successful song, he said. To craft a song, each band member feels free to contribute. Vaughn may start out with a guitar lick, a few chords and a melody, and the others will follow: or Balta may begin with a drum beat as the other musicians build on his rhythm. Cuozzo, a Sacramento resident, serves as the band's songwriter. "It's hard to explain how a song gets made," said Balta. "It's pretty magical the way it all comes together." Before forming Proon, Balta and Vaughn were roommates in Sacramento, jamming and playing cover tunes. They eventually circulated a flier, seeking a bassist and singer. Pflager, who hails from Woodland, and Cuozzo replied and the chemistry just worked, said Balta. Into a Sacramento garage they all went. Vaughn believes the band, "is ready for the next step" and harbors hope for success. "I think we've got plenty of good material," he said, referring to the band's eight new original tunes not yet on disc. "Foreword," which costs $5,
is available by calling (916) 499-0265 and leaving a message. You can also email the band
at proonfan@aol.com. Check out the band's web site at
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