August 2005 – The FRANKS. For some, the word “franks” brings to mind yummy summer barbeques or conjures up an image of those low-slung pooches in their unnecessary doggie vests. But no, we are not talking about hotdogs or wiener dogs, we are talking about the cutting edge of new local music. And soon enough, hearing this f-word will make you think about theFRANKS, too. 

Although theFRANKS have their roots in Fitchburg, over the last two months they have been shaking up the Worcester/Boston scene with their dynamic rock fusion music. Their sound is infused with bits of reggae, pop, funk, ska, and hip hop, with maybe even the proverbial kitchen sink thrown in for good measure. They don’t want to be pigeonholed as having only one flavor and successfully avoid the trend of clinging for dear life to only one genre.

Band members Brian Frank (keyboards and vocals), Connie Swayle (guitar and vocals – can you name the Dan Aykroyd movie reference?), Keano Kaelin (bass) and Lou-bacca “Louie” Pujois (drums) have been jamming together for the last 3 years, scouring New England for places to get themselves heard and loved. Louie says that they are “very proactive as far as trying to get themselves out there,” and that their ambition is starting to pay off as they snag Worcester gigs at Tammany Hall and elsewhere.

This reporter had the chance to get down and dirty with the drummer and asked him such probing personal questions as where he thought the band might be in a year. Louie mentioned a more than mild dislike for the 9 to 5 life and replied that the band is aspiring “to have enough gigs to pay the rent.”

Honest and hardworking, these men obviously know how to lay down a smooth groove. If you’re dying for some more theFRANKS info before heading out to support them and dance your buns off at a local gig, go to www.thefranksmusic.com. The site is undergoing some renovations but enough basics are available to satisfy your burning musical curiosity.