Those Unknown – Oi!, Keep on Goin’ Strong

About 45 miles north of the Golden Gate I found the English sound of OI in the town of Santa Rosa. It almost seemed foreign yet truly refreshing to find this sound on the west coast.

In SF the rumors of chicken farmers and country bumpkins pass through the lips of those describing Sonoma county. This was not my experience, I arrived on a dimly light street only to follow the sounds of guitar to a turn of the century house. I walked up the stoop, rang the bell and was greeted by mike the basest who led me to an addict space converted into a practice studio. It was here I officially met all the members of Those Unkown. The front man Bill Owens reached out his hand and welcomed me into his home and introduced me to the rest of the band. Jason Danty on drums, Ian Williamson on guitar, and Mike Wesolowski on bass. I sat down as they kept in the moment of creating a new song. After two songs and some laughter and clowning around I was offered a cup of coffee. We venture down stairs to the kitchen were we swapped stories of shows, labels, and on the road experiences. Such a relaxing laid back experience they are men just like me blue collar that play music just for the love of it, not the fame and glory of making it big.

I first came across Those Unknown in the late 90's on a TKO comp Punch Drunk 3. It was this comp that made me search out more of Those Unknown, their message of unity, working class, and being alright as a common man called out to me. I found myself in the lyrics of their songs. They have truly put in the work coming up on twenty years of playing music, Bill has not strayed from his blue collar ideals, the unity of the working class, and the struggle to fight for a fair shake.
Those Unknown keep me in the "now" and present state of mind asking myself "what am I doing to help".

You can catch Those Unknown Friday may the 25th at the UpTown in Oakland ca. They will be playing with The Beltones, and the bays own The Hounds & Harlots. Doors are at 9pm. So come on out and support local music.

 

 

From the belly of the bay

-Detour Dan-
Big Wheel Contributor
 

 

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