The Faceless Bandits Ushered In “Sawgrass” Music to Poisonville Songs Project.

By: Lisa Geores

Date: February 17, 2018

Venue: Poisonville Songs Project

The Faceless Bandits sent listeners on a rollicking joyride during their performance at Poisonville Songs project in Zephyrhills Florida.

Poisonville Songs Project is a live music series, named after a song by Ronny Elliot. The name was given with Ronny’s blessing and the concept of hosting local and international artists developed in 2015. The series hosts live shows and private, live streaming sets. Originally located at the Sleep Inn, Wesley Chapel Hotel, the project is now located at the Ramada Inn, Zephyrhills, Florida. Another goal of the series is to make this a music destination for the Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, not just guests of the hotel.

The Faceless Bandits describe their sound as “Sawgrass” which is inspired and created by the melding of traditional bluegrass and rockabilly, with hints of metal and punk. There is only one other band that Faceless Bandits is aware of that describes their music as “Sawgrass”. “Kentucky is the home of bluegrass and bluegrass is country music’s version of punk rock, so we are not bluegrass, outlaw grass or jamgrass, we are; sawgrass”. Incidentally, Cladium jamaicense, or sawgrass which is a sedge (not a true grass) with it’s sharp teeth along each blade edge is found in southern and central regions of the Everglades. 

Having never heard of “sawgrass” as a genre, but being familiar with and loving bluegrass, punk and rockabilly, I wasn’t quite certain what to expect this evening.

I arrived a bit early, wanting to make sure to introduce myself to the band, and find optimal seating. I was pleasantly greeted by three sharply dressed gentlemen who make up Faceless Bandits. Their unique presence and odd as it sounds; red, cheery, upright bass on the stage began to transform uncertainty into a feeling of; Whoa, this is going to be a very lively and pleasant experience. 

David Lester

Faceless Bandits began in 2012 with members, David Lester aka; Double Dave on

Upright Bass and backup vocals. Doug Harnish/Dastardly Doug on banjo and lead vocals, along with their former guitar player, Justin. Their current guitar player and vocalist, Sean McInerney aka Mayhem McInerney joined the band in February of 2016

Doug Harnish

David, Doug and Sean paid homage to their late mandolin player Ross Godfrey who was a “phenomenal” person, musician and friend who, “pushed”, “inspired” and taught Sean to play that “weird F”.

The origin of the band name comes from the artists intention of not being bound to write or perform a specific genre, hence, “Faceless”

Sean McInerney

 People of all ages filled the venue. Some from as far as Canada were in attendance. The music began and brought high strung, sunny side up enjoyment to the listeners. The sparkling, metallic sounds of the banjo, the melody of the guitar, setting a solid rhythm, rich, low sounds of the upright bass and superior vocals are elixir to the spirit and soul, as evidenced by the cheering, dancing and applause of the crowd. It was a real test of will power for me to not set the camera down and dance through the entire performance. A guest and friend of the band named Erik Livingston, joined in to sing a few songs.

Faceless Bandits & Erik Livingston

I now have a thorough understanding of “sawgrass”. It’s fun, unique and cutting edge; as on the blades of the true non-grass. 

When the band started playing together, they were just developing their sound. Over the years of playing together, their style of music and playing improved. The addition of Sean made the music a “bit more technical” and “better as a whole”.

Faceless Bandits have played all over Florida and in Atlanta, Georgia. They are currently recording their first album titled “Women, Whiskey and War” at Burnt Orange Sound Studio in Bradenton, Florida. The album is due out at the end of March, 2018. All three band members are hard working, blue collar men, two of whom are married, one with a family. David works in Georgia but comes to Florida to play gigs. They have very demanding personal lives but still come together to make music. The band’s next gig is on March 31st at the Bad Ass Cafe in Bradenton, Florida. A big shout out was given to Thomas, owner of Bad Ass Cafe and McCabes Irish Pub for helping the band with many of it’s endeavors.

Fans will be able to find Faceless Bandits music on Itunes, Spotify, Band Camp, Amazon, ReverbNation and YouTube.

Even if you don’t like country or rockabilly, come on out, give them a listen, look for their album and interweb recordings. As explained to me by the band, people who usually don’t like country, always end up liking their “sawgrass” sound. I thoroughly enjoyed the music, and harmonically-rich vocals. The movement of the members, on stage and even facial expressions create animation that also makes them a joy to watch.

The Faceless Bandits are coming on strong! Their determination, great music and enterprising enthusiasm is establishing them as “sawgrass” virtuosos. #LisaGeores #FacelessBandits #PoisonvilleSoundsProject #badasscafe #mccabesirishpub #LisaGeoresPromotions #sawgrass #photojournalist