High View Lane gives a novel performance

   There is an awesome new band that has come up in the scene, and it is pretty epic.

   Formed in the summer of 2010, local alternative band High View Lane (who's name was selected by drummer Michael Puma and guitarist Michael Martinez from A Street Sign) has captured the attention of those who are lucky enough to have heard them.

   While still a fledgling band, these five individuals— Puma, Martinez, second guitarist Jeremy Gump, bassist David Valencia, and singer Jonathan Barrios— play their music as if they have been together for years.

   When they start playing, the stage seems to fill with their very presence as they command those watching them.

   With plenty of dedication, love for their music, and a touch of theatricality, they can bring an entire audience to its feet screaming.

   Already, HVL has managed to accumulate a small following of loyal fans. It's no surprise why.

   Their songs are very good and easy to relate to, putting real life pains and pleasures into some wicked songs and blasting them with all of their might. At the same time, they sound different.

   "Originality is what we strive for," Gump said. And it shows in their music. No one song of theirs sounds like the next. One minute, the crowd can be serenaded by a touching rock ballad, the next, they will be brought to their feet with some epic shredding. It's astounding.

   Labeling HVL as simply alternative rock is selling them short. While influenced by a large number of artists from different genres (ranging from the band Avenged Sevenfold to Frank Sinatra), everyone in the band is quick to not compare themselves to any of their inspirations.

   "Whenever someone asks who we sound like…it's my most hated question," Barrios said firmly. "Who we sound like is us." Their sound is very eclectic, something that the members pride themselves on. It allows a broad range of audiences to appreciate their music.

   Valencia sums up the band's future perfectly: "I think we have potential but for now, it's just the beginning. "