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Local indie rock band Third-Space gives a nod to all those who feel like they don’t quite fit in with its new EP “The Margins.” That’s also the title of the record’s last track.
“I’ve always seen myself, and the band to an extent, as somewhat on the fringes and never quite fitting in,” said guitarist and lead vocalist Matt Ito, via email from Korea. “The song itself is about telling one’s story well, in spite of forces that constantly try to discourage. …
“It’s meant to be a call to break the prescribed notions one often faces based on race, class, gender, etc. When we play it live, I’ll often introduce the song as ‘for those on the fringes,’ and at the end of the day that’s what I want our music to be about — empowering those without a voice and giving people something tangible to hold when nothing else seems sufficient.”
A self-proclaimed “English nerd,” Ito says the band’s name comes from the writings of literary and cultural theorist Homi Bhabha. Bhabha argues that when caught between cultures, people may live in a “third space,” created to bridge the gap.
As for the band: “We all draw influence from a multitude of musical spaces,” Ito said. “I’d like to think that the music we create together is at least somewhat representative of that diversity, while still functioning cohesively.”
Ito learned guitar by listening to Jimi Hendrix records and trying to play along. Bass player Rylen Nakama is a big fan of The Clash, The Police, The Beach Boys and Motown. Drummer Chase Perry “has a keen ear for writing a catchy pop tune.” Ito also says he will go through phases where he will be really into one band for a couple of weeks, or even a year.
The band recorded the EP at popular local studio Blue Planet Sound, with help from Blue Planet sound engineer Jules Washington.
Listening to the EP, you can feel the pulse of The Killers’ influence and a bit of lilt akin to Julian Casablancas from The Strokes in the fuzzy croon of the vocals. Songs like “Please (Tell Me What’s Going On)” best exemplify the Casablancas effect, but with a solid Beach Boys-inspired backing vocal that lifts the track up into pop territory. On opening track “Dangerous,” Ito shows off a guttural, growl-laden stomp more akin to The Clash, with a classic blues undertone on the guitar work.
The band takes the Sailor Jerry Festival into the midnight hour — the space between Saturday and Sunday — this weekend.
FESTIVAL SCHEDULE
FRIDAY
Anna O’Brien’s: 2240 S. Beretania St. 21+. 10 p.m.: Nekromantix, Hell Caminos, The Aldo Rays; $20, $15 presale at 808shows.com.
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SATURDAY
Old Ironside Tattoo: 1033 Smith St. 18+. 6 p.m. onward: Tattoo specials. Art and memorabilia on display. Selfie wall.
Black Cat Tattoo: 1111 Nuuanu Ave. 18+. 6 p.m. onward: Tattoo specials. Art and memorabilia on display.
The Naughty Vegan Studio: 925 Maunakea St. 18+. 6 p.m. onward: Tattoo specials. Art on display.
Proof Public House: 1154 Fort Street Mall #10. 21+. 6 p.m. onward: Skate demos. “Hori Smoku” Sailor Jerry documentary screenings. Vendor booths outside at Chaplain Lane.
Manifest: 32 N. Hotel St. All ages 6-10 p.m.; 21+ after 10. 6:15-6:45 p.m.: SuperFuct; 7-7:30 p.m.: Badass Noise; 7:45-8:30 p.m.: Rundown Kreeps; 8:45-9:30 p.m.: Anti-Matter; 9:30-close: resident DJs.
Downbeat Lounge: 42 N. Hotel St. 21+. 6:45-8 p.m.: “Hori Smoku” Sailor Jerry documentary movie screening; 8:45-9:15 p.m.: 11th Hour; 9:30-10 p.m.: Serpico & The Sinners; 10:15-10:45 p.m.: Panic on the Rise; 11-11:30 p.m.: Black Square; 11:45 p.m.-12:15 a.m.: Third-Space; 12:30-1 a.m.: The Bougies.
Scarlet: 80 Pauahi St. 21+. 7-8:30 p.m.: Think Fast Improv. Comedy with Brandi Morgan (2017 Na Hoku Hanohano Best Comedy Album award-winner), comedy battle champs John Yabes and Jeremiah Chinegwu, and Comedy U co-founder Patrick Tyrrell; 8:45-9 p.m.: Burlesque performances with ChiChi Roniz, La Femme Rikita, Miss Lisa, Violetta Beretta and Tracy Lashes; 9-9:30 p.m.: Fashion show by Twisted Cuts; 9:30-10 p.m.: Burlesque performances with Cherry Lei, Miss Lisa, ChiChi Roniz, La Femme Rikita, Violetta Beretta and Tracy Lashes; 10 p.m.-2 a.m.: Fresh Fish Drag Revue, with Eureka O’Hara (“RuPaul’s Drag Race”)
Arts at Marks Garage: 1159 Nuuanu Ave., Sailor Jerry-inspired art exhibit, free photo booth, vintage motorcycles. All ages. 7:30-8:20 p.m.: Discord & Rye; 8:35-9:25 p.m.: 7 Pairs of Iron Shoes; 9:40-10:40 p.m.: 82fifty
WWII Red-Light District Mini-Tour: By HonoluluExposed.com. 7:30, 8:30, 9:30 and 10:30 p.m.: Tours depart. Meet near the corner of Smith and Hotel streets. Free, but number of participants is limited.
Dragon Upstairs: 1038 Nuuanu Ave. 21+. 8:30-9:30 p.m.: The Hydrolites; 10-11 p.m.: The Ionz; 11:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m.: Los Pobres
Madre Chocolate: 8 N. Pauahi St. All ages. 8:30-9 p.m.: Above Reproach; 9:15-9:45 p.m.: N.F.A.; 10-10:30 p.m.: Bone Canyon; 10:45-11:15 p.m.: Sparrow; 11:30 p.m.-midnight: Shredd Papaya
NextDoor: 43 N. Hotel St. All ages. 8:40-9:10 p.m.: Rotten Blossom; 9:25-9:55 p.m.: TV Microwave; 10:10-10:40 p.m.: Rats; 10:55-11:40 p.m.: The Quintessentials; 11:55 p.m.-1 a.m.: Nekromantix
Bar 35: 35 N. Hotel St. 21+. 9 p.m.-2 a.m.: DJs all night
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