The Key

What it is with Los Angeles and powerpop trios? They're all great! The Question, Chardon Square and, of course, The Key, ruled the LA mod scene alongside ska faves The Untouchables, for much of the mid 80's, packing them in at locations like Fender's Ballroom in Long Beach. "Evolution" is from the band's debut EP, 'Trashin' Power Pop' (Smash-A!, 1986) -has an EP title ever summed up a band's sound so succintly? The La Verne (an LA suburb), CA group featured Shane Ries (guitar / lead vocals), Henry Chavez (bass / vocals), and David White (drums, also of The Question and later The Untouchables, he was replaced in The Key by Mike Young). They later released an album on London mod label Unicorn Records and also appeared on their 'Unicorn Two ... Modern Times' compilation. Perhaps more importantly the band appeared on Anthony "Squire" Meynell's Hi Lo Records compilation 'American Heart And Soul' and were included on the label CD retrospective 'It's A Mod Mod World'. Shane now runs a hip hop label, Base 9.