Artist description Song based melodic rock, effects laden with hints of pop and psychedelia. A distinctive vocal sound, energetic playing and a solid melodic sense.

Music Style Indie-rock; melodic with hints of pop & neo-psychedelia

Musical Influences NEWER: Doves - Interpol - Verve - BRMC - Jimmy Eat World - Guided By Voices - Remy Zero - And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead - Sunny Day Real Estate **Early: The Church - The Who - Go-Betweens - U2 - Pink Floyd - The Clash - Skids

Similar Artists People have a hard time pinpointing who or what this music sounds like, but some have mentioned being reminded of early U2, Remy Zero, the Doves, Doors or the Church.

Artist History LIGHTNING WALTZ is the name I have been using for my solo project. The 1st incarnation of LIGHTNING WALTZ as a band began in 1999 when I put out some flyers advertsiing the creation of a new band; it ended a year later when I relocated to Dallas. The original lineup was: Justin Wallace-drums David Simmons-guitar Daniel Domain-bass and myself, Daniel Watkins vocals/guitar and writing. We played a handfull of shows with very positive results at the end of 1999 and mid 2000. In 2002 I am assembling a new band in the Dallas area which is taking form under the name BLACK LIGHT GURUS (search mp3.com for that site and our songs).

Group Members Daniel Watkins - all instruments, writing and vocals except where noted.

Instruments Les Paul, SG, ES335 and acoustic 12-string guitars, Boss effect pedals, Fender amps, ect...

Albums In the works...

Press Reviews --"Message to all...Daniel is one of the great unknown talents of Dallas. A great singer/songwriter with the voice of the anti-Creed. He has an incredible song-sense and a talent not seen too often." Mike Maney of Origami --"While You Can is similar in style to the Doves - an eerie mood set early in the song. I’m not quite sure how it makes me feel - it teeters on sadness and disorientation." --"Cool, interesting music you have made... Reminiscent of the Cure, Only Ones, and even Bowie. Melodic, poppy and publicly digestible too." (Stan Vaquez, known for work w/artists Johnny Thunders, The Victims, Johnny & The Jags, and Blondie) --"I like your direction. Your voice sounds like a mix of one part Peter Murphy and one part Richard Ashcroft of Spiritualized." --"I really like all of your songs but I dont quite have words to describe it yet. Its nothing like whats on the radio unless you count the college radio, but things are turning to what new and different, and i think that there will be a place for your music on the radio soon. I really think change is due." --"I think these are very good for first draft home demos. Down To This almost seems like a meeting of American indie pop/60’s pre-punk garage rock with a hint of Richard Butler (Psychedelic Furs) in the vocals. While You Can is very cool, and smooth - a great song and reminiscent of the Verve as well as various British bands. Summer Century Meltdown is mindbending lyrically and of course in the guitar effects- and almost Bowie-ish. Very simple riff and framework and it works perfectly – almost a Church kind of feel to it in the vein of their recent releases. In Balance Again… underground minimalist rock with an almost funk bass. Despite my dropping names of these older greats, I think your stuff definitely has a contemporary edge to it also, a cool combination of old and new influences." --"OK, if you all haven't heard [this music] then now is the time to do so! Daniel has posted a new mp3 that is just excellent - a re-recording of his classic "While You Can". This new version rocks, and I'm digging the epic vibe. It reminds me of the early U2 sound, circa "Boy" and "October". Daniel’s songwriting, singing and guitar playing are a pleasure to hear...check him out!" --"Hey I enjoyed all of your MP3s, it's just great stuff! Down To This reminded me of a cross between David Bowie and Iggy Pop I think this was my favorite of the bunch followed by SCM then "In Balance Again" - this one kinda had... almost a funk edge. Like Love doing something like "Little Red Book" or something. That's fantastic. Anyway, great job! Let me know when you have some others up!" (Brian Wright of Sweet Harriot) --"Your sound is like a cool blend of EMO and 80s pop sounds...I think your ideas are very original. Fear the Unknown is really good... reminds me of The Sound." --

Additional Info Contact 214 457-8826

Location Dallas, TX - USA

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