Combinding Funk, Rock and sweeping dynamics, Luster brings back vocal harmonies and a tight wall of sound in their self-released album "Without Borders"

8 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Funk Rock, ROCK: 90's Rock



Details:
In many respects, the story of Luster begins long before four aspiring musicians jammed for the first time in the early days of April, 2002. Roy Wortman (drums and backing vocal) and Mark Darrow (lead guitar) had played in the band "Ravin" since their freshman and sophomore years of high school. Various line-ups of "Ravin" existed for several years. However, differing musical goals and a lack of chemistry between members forced the band to break-up. Three years later Mark and Roy finally formed a new band with bassist Dan Alanko. Although this nameless band's existence was short-lived, it was instrumental in bringing together the two final pieces of the Luster puzzle.

Throughout his junior and senior years of college, Marcus Weber had established himself as one of the premier karaoke singers in Spokane. Due to both his exceptional musical talent and the lack there of in the karaoke world, Marc was constantly encouraged by listeners to cultivate his singing abilities. One such observer, Chris Shogun, told Marcus that his buddy Roy was looking for a lead singer. Consequently, Marcus and Roy got in contact with each other and set up an audition. Just after playing two songs, both Roy and Mark new they had found a lead singer for their new band.

As Luster was slowly but surely taking form, bassist Harry Ostrem was in the midst of looking for a new band. The Harry Ostrem Mochtet, a Gonzaga based funk band, called it quits after four of its members graduated (seriously folks, it wasn't Harry's idea to have the band named after himself...Only Huey Lewis could be that arrogant, or Steve Miller, or etc.). Both Roy and Mark heard about Harry through former band member Dan Alanko, who is ironically one of Harry's best friends. So the moment had finally arrived when Roy, Mark, Marc, the "funky bunch" and Harry played for the first time. Initially, Luster had hoped to make some extra money by gigging off of 50 or so cover tunes. However, the ambitions of Luster soon intensified as the band's explosive chemistry took form. Luster refined its stage show through over a year of gigging at least every other weekend. Even though the size and class of the venues have changed, Luster's goal of bombarding each audience with an electrifying stage presence and a wall of tight musical sound has not.

Currently, the band is focusing its energies on original music. Without Borders which will be released this upcoming summer, blends funky rhythmic grooves with powerful guitar solos and melodic choruses. Please stay tuned as the history of Luster continues to unfold.