Fiver

Hailing from the unlikely locale of Modesto, CA (a Central Valley city 90 miles east of San Francisco), singer/guitarist David Woody formed the first Fiver lineup in 1993 with bassist Luis Fregoso. Following a stint as a three-piece and changes in the drum and second guitar chairs, a sextet was finalized in 1995. Joining the duo were guitarist Chris Doud, drummer Zach Egenberger, and keyboardists Dan Lillie and Sean Duncan. Following their own home demo, Fiver's formal debut, Eventually Something Cool Will Happen, was issued by Albany, CA, label Devil in the Woods in 1998. Recorded by fellow Modesto resident and Grandaddy frontman Jason Lytle, journalists immediately linked Fiver to an emerging Central Valley scene (with the Stockton-born Pavement serving as spiritual forefathers). A fuzz-fueled brand of indie rock, Fiver's songs stunned with hooky punches and melodic twists that framed the confessional lyrics of Woody. In 2000, with Woody and Egenberger attending college, Fiver struck again with Strings for Satellites (also on Devil in the Woods), which was produced by Kyle Statham of Fuck. The group was now beginning to attract the attention of California's Bay Area indie rock scene as well. At the beginning of 2001 Fiver made its second appearance at San Francisco's Noise Pop Festival, selling out the Café Du Nord. Their status was soaring, leaving Fiver to join the ranks of Sparklehorse,Wheat, and Grandaddy. Their third effort for Devil in the Woods, Here It Comes, was issued in April 2002. ~ Nathan Bush, All Music Guide