Listen to Dan Potthast of Mu330's New Band: Dan P and The Bricks

By Ryan Wasoba Thu., Nov. 17 2011 at 2:20 PM

Categories: Homespun

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Local third-wave ska legend Mu330 is getting more attention than usual. First, there is the upcoming reunion show with its original 1994 Press-era lineup. Now, the band's singer Dan Potthast has revealed a new group, Dan P and The Bricks. The ten-piece outfit also features four members of Slow Gherkin, and the group favors a more traditional ska vibe that contrasts with Mu330's often mutilated take on the genre. The band posted the song "One Reason" along with an endearing slideshow - the promo photo of Dan dunking an acoustic guitar is particularly charming.

Dan P and The Bricks aims to use its resources to raise money for charities. Thus far, the group appears to be meeting the goal; Team Brick raised almost $2,000 for the 2011 Surf City Aids Ride and generated $300 for a friend's medical bills with donations from impromptu street performances.

Potthast is no stranger to playing outside of Mu330; he relocated to Santa Cruz, California in the early 2000s and released three solo albums on Santa Cruz label Asian Man Records, who will also be handling Dan P and The Bricks' debut Watch Where You Walk. The super DIY label has long been a critical hub of third wave ska, pushing Mu330's entire catalog as well as releases by Less Than Jake, Johnny Socko, Five Iron Frenzy, Bomb The Music Industry!, Slapstick, and Blue Meanies.

Dan Potthast and Mu330's contributions to local music cannot be overstated. The band inspired many punk groups (The Humanoids and Cross Examination are outspoken fans) and possibly every ska band to form in town since the mid 90s. By frequently playing with bands outside of its stylistic realm such as Alkaline Trio, Poster Children, Atom & His Package, Lawrence Arms, and Honor System, Mu330 is remembered by many ska fans as a gateway out of the genre's wormhole.

Watch Where You Walk is available now from Asian Man Records and is streaming in questionable audio quality from Punknews.org

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