The Return of Davis? Yes.

Music | February 18th, 2015

Ike Morsch, Matt Cook, Nick Peterson and Travis Atwood

Popular Fargo band releases new record after a nearly 10 year hiatus

Before there were popular locals bands like 32 Below, Johnson Family Band, Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome and Tripwire, among others, there was an awesome band by the name of Davis? (That sentence is not a strangely formed question. It’s just how Davis? formats its name.)

Actually, there still is an awesome band by the name of Davis?

The group formed in the late ‘90s and released two albums, “Radio Ashes” and “Davis?,” in the early 2000s and performed as full-time musicians, doing both originals and covers, before parting in the mid 2000s.

“It just ran its course,” drummer Nick Peterson said. “It was a band breakup but no one hated each other.”

As of 2013, the group has reformed and this Saturday, Feb. 21, Davis? is releasing a new album, “Hit Parade,” at the Sidestreet in downtown Fargo.

Consisting of nine tracks, “Hit Parade” is a feel-good album with raw emotional appeal. There are moments of alt-rock, like in the trippy breakdown section of the tender track “Helpless.” There are elements of Americana and country rock, especially in the twang-embellished, acoustic driven track “Return with Dreams.” There are elements of pure soul -- listen especially to the brilliant guitar solo at the end of “Wall Street Blues.” There are even hints of roots-reggae with tracks like “Beautiful Life.”

Though, at its core, Davis? is a rock band. Listeners will especially appreciate the elaborate, beautifully written yet raw tracks like “Settinbrina” and “Brother John.” They are perhaps the two best on the album due to their clutch developments, contrasts and hooks.

Notably, lead singer Ike Morsch still has the pipes, and guitarist Matt Cook and drummer Peterson still have the chops. And Atwood, of course, has made a marvelous addition as bassist.

young Davis

Although the members (except maybe for new member/local music vet Atwood) probably wouldn’t admit to it, Davis? undoubtedly helped pave the way for quality original music to shine in Fargo today. Not only did the group have a devout following for its original music, Davis’ music had character and presence that was all its own.

“I know by all of us when we were younger and playing -- I was in a different band -- Davis was always held to the highest regard in the musician community … I think it’s still true,” said Atwood, who took over Pete Morsch’s spot on bass.

Davis? has no plans of playing full time and touring like it did years ago. Getting back together to play music again has been more about the fun of it rather than the triumph of it.

“Unless this CD blows up like we’re all hoping it will, and we get uber famous like it’s gonna happen,” Morsch laughed. “I think that the biggest thing about us getting back together is we’re realistic about it. We’re not having child fantasies about moving to LA and being huge like Bret Michaels.”

Peterson, who also plays for Post Traumatic Funk Syndrome, added he had desired to play and write original music again.

“I really like playing in this band. I like the music we do; that’s rewarding in itself,” he said. “If one person can enjoy it with me, that’s great. There’s no other expectation about it.”