ABOUT
Bent Mushroom was born as a band in the garage of lead singer Mario Soto back in the mid 1990’s. The original band consisted of Mario, singer lead vocals, Mark Lewis, drums, Benny Benejan, bass, and Mark Opdyke, guitar. The band played sporadically around the local area for a few years but never really lived up to the potential that Mario and Mark knew it had.
By early 2000 the band was infused with some new talent with Kerry Lee on lead guitar and Dave Odell on bass. By 2001 the group had amassed a large following and was playing nearly every weekend at bars throughout South Jersey. During this time Joseph “Fucco” Cartwright joined the band and added his vocals and unique set of skills to the band, allowing them as a whole to explore other genres. The band was prepared to record their first demo cd when issues arouse that caused the band to take an indefinite break in April of 2004.
Since the bands return to the local scene in November 2008 they seem to have picked up right where they left off. Huge crowds show up at every show. The faces include many of the original followers and several new faces. Each and every show is filled with excitement and enthusiasm. The fan base is continually growing as the set list becomes more and more diverse.
With influences ranging from Incubus and Tool, to Rage Against the Machine and Metallica, and the Beastie Boys and Run DMC to Bob Marley and Jimi Hendrix you can expect a show that goes beyond one note. Fans are guaranteed an experience like nothing they’ve heard before. Old songs and new stuff, covers with a unique spin, and heart pounding originals all combine to provide fans with an unforgettable experience that keeps them coming back for more.
The band strives for perfection, and continually works together to provide their fans with a new and updated experience every time they come out. They just completed recording their demo with several covers and one original in an effort to branch further out of their current playing area. They look forward to getting a chance to introduce a whole new fan base to the Bent Mushroom Experience.
- Screen name:
- BENT MUSHROOM
- Member since:
- Aug 27 2010
- Active over 1 month ago
- Level of commitment:
- Committed
- Years together:
- 10
- Gigs played:
- 50 to 100
- Tend to practice:
- 1 time per week
- Age:
- 50 years
Members Of Band
By early 2008 Mark Lewis and Mario Soto were ready to get back into the music scene, a phone call to Kerry Lee confirmed that he, too, was ready to return. Unfortunately Dave Odell had found his niche in with a new band, The Plutonics, while Bent Mushroom was on hiatus and was unable to return as the bass guitar player. After a few personnel changes a permanent replacement was found in James “Jizzle” Juniak. The band was impressed by his skills and ability to pick up the play list quickly, and the personalities were a perfect fit.
