Published on 07/06/99
BY SUSAN HILL SMITH
The Post and Courier
Don’t expect serious conversation from the members of “melodic punk” band Hot Lunch, whose homemade fare includes songs like “Paula Abdul-Jabbar.”
Ask the recent Summerville High School graduates about their ambitions, and drummer Ryan Riols deadpans, “We want to sell out.”
Lead singer and guitarist Brian Wahl nods his head. “We’ll sell out the first chance we get.”
Even manager Patrick McLaughlin, who says his job is to keep the talent in line, chimes in. “We’re in it for the money - and the girls.”
Ryan and Brian started the band two years ago, doing “ear-happy” covers from bands such as Unwritten Law, River Fenix and Homegrown. Eventually, they started writing their own stuff.
They’ve gone through a series of names since then including Sticky Fingers, Stymie (after a favorite Little Rascals character) and even Malabar (an obscure reference to a story they read for lit class, “The Rocking Horse Winner” by D.H. Lawrence).
They plan to stick with the name Hot Lunch, but are mysterious about the meaning behind it. “We’re kind of leaving it open to however you want to interpret it,” Patrick says.
Hot Lunch has gotten good word of mouth at Summerville High School, and the band keeps pretty busy playing parties. As for money, they were happy to earn $100 for a birthday gig not long ago.
There have been some rough spots along the way. Ryan nearly quit and sold his drums so he could spend more time with a girlfriend, but he changed his mind, and is dating someone new.
Next year could be tough as Brian goes to Clemson University with Patrick and Ryan heads to Florida to the Amazing Exotic Animal Center. But they say they are committed to keeping Hot Lunch together.
Their biggest problem right now is finding a new base player. Brian says anyone who’s interested can e-mail him at bwahlawod.com.
6 months ago
