Steriogram

New Zealand’s smartass retort to Sum 41, Steriogram honed its hodgepodge of heavy metal chuggery, white-boy hip-hop, and outsized funk tomfoolery around its hometown of Auckland before hitting international pay dirt in 2004 with the low-culture anthem “White Trash.” The song dated from 2001, when its video clip — featuring the exuberant rapping of Steriogram drummer Tyson Kennedy — caused a stir in NZ. A previous single had already gained Steriogram some notice, but the response to “White Trash” spurred the band’s decision to install Kennedy as full-time MC/frontman and incorporate a greater hip-hop influence into its already lively clang. Kennedy, guitarist/vocalist Brad Carter, bassist Jake Adams, and guitarist Tim Youngson asked drummer pal Jared Wrennall to join the crew, and parlayed the single’s buzz into some higher-profile gigs. Capitol noticed, and signed Steriogram in late 2002. David Kahne (Sublime, Sugar Ray) was tapped to produce the resulting recording sessions, and when the Schmack! LP appeared domestically in May 2004, it boasted a huge, radio-friendly sound and loads of loopy humor. ~ Johnny Loftus