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Deep in the heart of California's Inland Empire, the Hispanic-tinged ska-punk band Voodoo Glow Skulls formed in the late '80s. Originally a hardcore group, the quartet was comprised of the brothers Casillas (Frank on vocals, Eddie on guitar, Jorge on bass) plus drummer Jerry O'Neill. After several years of playing in a garage, the band decided to expand both its lineup (not to mention its sound) with a horn section -- saxophone player Joey Hernandez, trumpeter Joe McNally, and trombone player Brodie Johnson. By the early '90s, Voodoo Glow Skulls were one of the most interesting ska-punk bands on the West Coast.
After debuting with two 7" singles, the band released the LP Who Is? This Is? in 1993 on Dr. Strange Records. They toured America several times (alone and with the Mighty Mighty Bosstones) and signed to Epitaph Records in 1995. Their second album, 1995's Firme, was available in both Spanish- and English-language versions, a unique feature that distinguished the band from the growing number of local ska-punk groups. Baile de los Locos followed two years later, and The Band Geek Mafia appeared in 1998. After enjoying a spot on the main stage at Warped Tour, Voodoo Glow Skulls returned in 1999 with Exitos al Cabron. Symbolic was issued a year later. The band jumped from local label Epitaph to the Chicago-based Victory Records for 2002's Steady as She Goes, but the album's murky production (executed by the bandmates themselves) drew criticism from critics and fans alike. Adicción, Tradición, Revolución followed in October 2004; although also self-produced, the album's crisp sound and skacore stylings were viewed as a refreshing return to form. With their early lineup still in place (with the exception of Joe McNally, who left the group to pursue a day job in 1999), Voodoo Glow Skulls issued their eighth album, Southern California Street Music, in September 2007.
from Wikipedia:
Voodoo Glow Skulls are an American ska punk band formed in 1988 in Riverside, California by brothers Frank, Eddie and Jorge Casillas and their longtime friend Jerry O'Neill. Voodoo Glow Skulls first played out at backyard parties and later at Spanky's Café in their hometown of Riverside,Ca, where they played shows with the Angry Samoans, Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Firehose, Murphy's Law and The Dickies.
History
Their first recording was in 1989 - a four song demo on a four-track machine which they duplicated onto about 60 cassettes on a home stereo then sold at shows.
In 1990 Voodoo Glow Skulls released their first 7" EP The Old of Tomorrow, a parody title inspired by the straight edge band named Youth of Today, with the help of local band Public Humiliation; and also booked their own DIY US tour.
In 1991 the band added a horn section to their live shows and recordings, due mostly by the influence of two of their favorite bands at the time, Fishbone and Red Hot Chili Peppers. The band's 2nd independent release came out in 1992 with the Rasta Mis Huevos 7" EP for Signal Sound Systems Records. This label also released a glow-in-the-dark 12" EP titled We're Coloring Fun and the first release of The Potty Training Years on CD.
Voodoo Glow Skulls recorded their debut album Who Is, This Is? for Dr. Strange Records in 1993, gaining the attention of Brett Gurewitz, owner of Epitaph Records. The band then signed to Epitaph Records and released a further four albums. The band began to tour worldwide with their first European tour in 1996 followed by Japan, Australia, Mexico and South America.
The band has been featured on several of Epitaph's Punk-O-Rama releases and has had music featured in video games, tv and movies.
The song "Shoot the moon" from the bands Firme album was used in the Pauly Shore movie "Biodome" and the band's version of "Used to love her" (originally written and recorded by Guns and Roses) is featured in the "Mr. & Mrs. Smith" soundtrack.
In 2001 Voodoo Glow Skulls parted ways with Epitaph Records and signed to Victory Records. The band has released three albums on the Victory label and continue to tour.
In 2005 and 2008, Voodoo Glow Skulls were featured as one of the headlining bands for the "Ska Is Dead" tour.
July 2009, Voodoo Glow Skulls played the 10th Annual Victoria Ska Fest with The Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Slackers.
As of 2010, the Voodoo Glow Skulls are working on their 9th studio album and are unsigned. However, according to frontman Frank Casillas, new material will result in EP for download from their website instead of an album. It's expected to be released before the end of 2011.
