First appearing to the masses as an almost humorous electro-dance trio, Steve Reno, Chris Mak and Brandon Francisco were known originally as “Monkey Steals The Peach.” Due to problems with a band of the same name the boys decided on the name 10 Killing Hands. The name is derived from a set of 10 Kung-Fu moves know for there lethalness, one of which being Monkey Steals The Peach. They soon gave Bellingham a much needed injection of crunching bass, catchy synth lines and danceable back beats. Their classic track “Bear Attack” is a prime example of the early raw elements that composed 10KH.
After taking some time to experiment with their sound and look for a slightly new direction the trio added the help of a little electronic buddy in the form of a Drum Machine. Soon thereafter one could notice a change in the style of the tracks, less Devo and more The Faint. This may have been a help when Western’s ASP Pop crew chose them to be the local opener for electro legends The Faint when they played on campus in December 2006.
In mid 2007 after experiencing ongoing technical difficulties with the Drum Machine, the boys decided to cut back the electronic elements and once again adapt with the addition of Victor Cuellar on guitar and occasional vocals. Although the drum machine is still in use to this day it has been cut far back adding much less to the overall sound of the band. Taking a very appropriate left turn with their music 10KH has recently been performing more dance-rock songs and there sound could now be compared more closely to bands the likes of Franz Ferdinand or to a less extent Weezer with a synth. The band released their Self Titled album in Summer of 2007 and they also appear on both “It’s Actually Christmas,” Compilations released by Actual Air Studios/Ghost Assembly Records.
Who knows what’s next for the band? In the meantime armed with an ever growing catalog of songs 10KH continues to play shows regionally, recently opening for friends The Love Lights at there all ages CD Release Party. You can catch them next playing at Boundary Bay Brewery on April 25th alongside Counselor.
Myspace: www.myspace.com/band4bellingham
