From the sweltering depths of the cramped Discount Storage building comes a new sound — a mix of Fuel and Tonic with the rock hooks of Guns N' Roses.
This is the jarring surge of orgasmic musicianship known as Fallout.
The four members of Fallout landed in the local music scene only five months ago and have already created a stir.
"We want to go as far as we can," says lead singer and guitarist, Darren Stocek.
The band classifies their music and style as modern rock with an '80s influence. Music legends like Led Zeppelin, Metallica and Santana have influenced Fallout's style, along with newer bands such as Third Eye Blind and Matchbox 20.
"We put a cool twist on modern rock and combine it with slices of '80s rock," says drummer Todd Brenneman.
This group isn't your typical band; they don't practice in their parent's garage. Fallout is a professional band. They practice in a rented 8- by 10-foot storage unit at the Tempe Discount Storage.
The room is just big enough for the drum set and an amp. The walls are covered with sheets of foam to muffle the loud music and protect whatever hearing they might have left.
The rest of the room holds a small refrigerator, just big enough for a case of beer. In the opposite corner sits a pile of empty beer cans. Profanities are scribbled on the walls, and white sheets dabbled with music notes are hung in the room, in case someone forgets how a song goes. The band writes all their music together.
"Usually someone brings in a seed of music and we build on that," says lead guitarist Dan Tedesco.
Discount Storage might not be glamorous, but it has actually become a popular place for bands to practice. Five or six other bands practice in the storage yard along with Fallout.
"Yeah, but we're the best," says bassist Jon Sheehan.
Fans of Fallout would probably agree. The group has established a good fan base after playing shows at The Bash on Ash, Hollywood Alley, Nita's Hideaway and the since-departed Boston's.
"Our favorite shows are to get a generator and a keg and go into the mountains with some friends to play," Brenneman says.
Stocek, who brought the band together, first started his musical career in another band, Algee, along with Brenneman. The two met on the ASU swim and dive team and have been playing together for five years. Algee began to head downhill, so the band decided to rethink their rock star ways.
After a much-needed hiatus, Algee changed its name and Fallout was born.
Most of the band members are in their mid- to late-twenties. The baby of the band is Tedesco, who just turned 20.
But he's no baby when it comes to music.
"Music has been my whole life," says Tedesco, who was born into a musical family and even admits to playing the violin in the fourth grade.
"That's the kind of stuff you get shit for," Stocek says.
But his dedication paid off with a jazz performance scholarship to ASU.
Music has been important in each of their lives. Brenneman's father used to play in a band and his family inspired him to follow in his father's footsteps.
"I grew up with two annoying sisters so drums were the only thing I could beat on," he says.
The band is working on recording a new CD, which should be out in the next few months.
And while the stars seem to be aligned for them, the group says they are desperate to find a new bassist. Sheehan is leaving the group to explore other venues.
Bassist or not, the guys of Fallout are determined to be a success.
"We'll even do bar mitzvahs," Sheehan says.
Reach the reporter at jenny.voges@asu.edu.
