Illinois Valley is wrapped up in Foil
By April Biswell
"The bands we cover illustrate what we are all about and how we think as a group," Josh Simmons, Guitarist/Bassist for the band Foil, explained.
Foil performs songs from bands like Rage Against the Machine, Sublime, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Limp Biskit.
Vocalist Aaron Benckendorf said, "The music we play is a blend of everything that you can image. It is kind of hard to describe."
Foil has recently been receiving local recognition. The band, which formed a little more than a year ago, has been performing at bars in the LaSalle and Streator area.
Lead guitarist Brad Bushma said, "I personally love being the center of attention and having people look up to me. That is why I love playing gigs."
Simmons added, "I want to play all the time. I love it when people get crazy at our shows and if I see you in the crowd that is what you better be doing."
"We always have a good response from the crowd. I think it is due to our intensity on stage. It is all about having fun for us, we put on a good show and always go a little nuts during each performance," Simmons continued.
Brian Ford, a fan of Foil said, "I always have a good time at a Foil show. It is fun to watch them.
"It just clicks, they don’t think, they just play," Ford said. "When playing they don’t look at each other, it shows how they are in sync with one another. The band makes it look so easy, like they aren’t working hard to pull it off smoothly. I’m glad all I have to do is watch. What they do is hard stuff."
Simmons explained, "Everyone in the band has the same desire to succeed and make this thing work. We never had any formal musical training. We are completely self - taught. I think that is why we try so hard."
Bushma stated, "we are constantly inspiring one another. Music in general is our driving force."
"And, of course, Benckendorf and pornography inspires us all," he concluded laughing.
Foil will be performing at Club Blues, in Streator, on Friday and Saturday, March 31 and April 1.
They will also be appearing at the Ninth Street Pub, in LaSalle, on Friday and Saturday, April 7 and 8 and other dates throughout the summer.
Foil also frequently books dates with Slammers, a bar in LaSalle.
The other two members of the band are John Cargill on drums and Matt Jenkins on rhythm and bass guitar.
The guys of Foil have been friends for years and playing together just seemed right to them, as Benckendorf commented, "we all hated each other until the band got together."
Future plans for the band include getting into the studio by to record a demo featuring 10 to 12 original songs.
When asked what they would consider the ultimate gig they all nonchalantly answered "performing at the Playboy Mansion."