Artist description East meets West Rock 'n' Roll Band

Music Style Punk Rock 'n' Roll

Musical Influences the Stooges, the Clash, the Jam

Artist History A critic much more eloquent than I describes their sound as "fuzzed-out, hook-ridden rock and roll that straddles the Atlantic between early CLASH and DEAD BOYS at CBGB's". To me, they're more like a neo-Mod glam rock garage band doing Kung Fu. THE WONTONS were formed by Hsieh (of Estrus Records' THE 1-4-5's) in 1998 and released two 7" records (one on Germany's Screaming Apple, another on Austin's Peek-a-Boo) and contributed songs to several compilations. The line-up at the time featured Matt Murillo (JUNIOR VARSITY, THE JEWWS) on drums. In 1999, THE WONTONS toured Japan, playing with a variety of underground heavyweights including THE 5.6.7.8's and ESTRELLA 20/20. Later that year, Barnes (THE KISS OFFS) took over on drums. Barnes brought along his trademark fire and light show, and the rest is pyro past. By the end of 2000 the revamped WONTONS had released the acclaimed "Snake Eyes" 7" (She's Gone Records) and completed an East Coast tour. In April of 2001 the band played another tour of Asia, performing in Taiwan and Japan. Now THE WONTONS are set to bring their music to suburbia through the release of their debut album "Hex Appeal". The CD/LP will be available from newly minted Bloody Banner Records and features a whole bunch of wild new tunes including "99 Valentines". (It's like the MC5 on poppers.) Expect flailing guitars, flashpots galore and a healing dose of defiant rock 'n' roll delirium.

Group Members Dean Hsieh - guitar/vox Scott West - bass/vox Dwayne Barnes - drums/vox

Albums Hex Appeal

Press Reviews Considerably garage and slightly mod, the Wontons' raw rock & roll definitely lives up to the band's clever name. Adding ex-Kiss Offs drummer Dwayne Barnes (who has been known to blow things up on-stage) only solidifies the Wontons as a rowdy trio of punk rockers. Yes, Hex Appeal has obvious nods to the Clash and other early punk outfits (vocalist/guitarist Dean Hsieh actually sounds a lot like Joe Strummer sometimes), but these guys know exactly how to convey a raucous attitude and have the experience to pull it off. Two-minute blasts such as "Do the Wonton" and "No-Goodnik" are fun as heck, blaring away like a group of kids ready to bust out of high school. If they sound this untamed on record, one can only imagine what they're capable of on-stage. - Kenyon Hopkin (All Music Guide)

Location Austin, TX - USA

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