ASSOCIATES (2004, July, v. 11, no. 1) - associates.ucr.edu

YARG – Here be PIRATES! CRUMSY PIRATES! ARGhh.

The Crumsy Pirates started in January 2003 when Tracy (vocalist) decided she wanted to start writing and performing again, so she convinced Richard (guitarist) that a new punk band was the way to go. The pair found Ayman (bassist), a recent job-transfer from Chicago, via a Creative Loafing ad. After a month of writing original songs, few of which hit the three-minute mark, the trio hooked up with skate punk Sean (drummer) to complete the crew.

The Crumsy Pirates are quick, loud, and not exactly politically correct. Sean’s drumming races along at a Screeching Weasels’ pace while Ayman complements the beat with a Naked Raygun-like attack. Rich’s jagged guitar approach mixes styles ranging from Bob Mould’s speed to Billy Zoom’s cool. Tracy merely aspires to be the American female version of Mark E. Smith crossed with Jello Biafra– only much better-looking.

The Crumsy Pirates bring with them atypical talent and performance experience. Both Sean (formerly of No Holds Barred, 84 Massacre) and Richard (Paris Working, Launch, and currently bassist for Gaslight) are veterans of the Atlanta scene having played many clubs including the old White Dot, Lenny’s, Cotton Club, and the Masquerade. Ayman played Chicago punk for years prior to his relocation to Atlanta in Grand Tetons and System. Former theatre tech and occasional model, Tracy, has performed in productions at Theatrical Outfit, the Academy Theatre, and the Atlanta Arts festival. Now barely a year old, these crafty Crumsy Pirates have managed to shanghai the stages locally at 10 High, Mulligans, and Georgia State University.

Disclaimer: While these musicians are quite adept at a wide range of musical styles including but not limited to surf, goth, rockabilly, shoe-gazing, and reggae – do not ask the Crumsy Pirates to cover N’Sync or Brittany Spears lest ye incur their vengeful wrath. Results will no doubt include bleeding eardrums and disappointment. Rest assured, however, the Crumsy Pirates WILL consider booking weddings, bar mitzvahs, funerals, or your next corporate retreat.

The Crumsy Pirate Contacts:

Richard Coker: 404-685-9375 wrcoker12@yahoo.com
Ayman El Dinary: ayman@crumsypirates.com
Tracy Van Voris: alutvv@langate.gsu.edu
Sean Hanratty: …currently unavailable, cell phone MIA in some pickle barrel (Really. Would Pirates lie to you?)

Stay tuned for 2004 - Pirate booty may even include an actual studio album and a completed WEB site….