Interview Caleb Tardio of I Sank Molly Brown

Growing up a pastor’s son doesn’t mean that your band has to sound like Switchfoot—Denver’s I Sank Molly Brown knows this all too well. The band's grasp on wandering, heartfelt rock 'n' roll is far from the shortcomings of Christian rock anyway, and while I Sank may have one philosophical foot in the Bible, it's not interested in preaching the good word. Before I Sank Molly Brown's record-release show for its self-titled EP tonight at the Larimer Lounge, Decider spoke with vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Caleb Tardio as he bounced between godliness and the band’s true desire to rock out.

Decider: You guys come from a fairly religious background, growing up with fathers who were pastors. Rock 'n' roll in the traditional sense isn’t necessarily faith leaning—what effect does that have on your sound?

Caleb Tardio: Yes, well, Johnny [Moses, drummer] and I have a lot of experience playing worship-y music. It’s interesting. We all live together, and I’m close with Johnny and Dylan [Self, guitarist/bassist]. I know that theologically, in our personal faith, rock 'n' roll plays into what we believe in many ways. I don’t like playing “worship” music because it doesn’t rock enough. In my view, rock 'n' roll is next to godliness. When I listen to an album that comes across as very beautiful, that’s more like church to me. We’ve all been playing for many years, and playing shows is a lot like church too.

D: Were you involved in your faith in that respect? Did you perform in your church?

CT: I was. I don’t do a whole lot of it these days. The music our band makes is like our home; we always come back to the music we make as I Sank Molly Brown. I think the spiritual, philosophical, and theological aspects of faith are always on our minds, and how it all fits into rock 'n' roll. Jesus said, “You may have life, and have it more abundantly.” What’s more abundant and awesome than rock 'n' roll? I mean, the first miracle was at a party. [Laughs.]

I also feel like there’s something very innocent about rock 'n' roll. Much of what we’ve been writing about lately has a nostalgic tone. Rock 'n' roll is about being young, going crazy, and just having fun. It’s about being innocent and not thinking about the consequences of rocking out so hard. You feel that awesome peace and the incredible feeling that making music gives you. That’s what God is all about. If God isn’t about rocking out, I may believe the wrong thing then. [Laughs.]

D: I Sank Molly Brown wouldn’t be considered Christian rock then?

CT: No, we’re not “churchy” types. I can relate to those involved in rock 'n' roll much better than those who are all about the church. I think if you’ve got the passion to do something, you should do it the best you can. I feel like a lot of Christian-rock bands are so busy trying to be accessible and make people feel good that they can’t focus on making music that will blow someone’s mind. Christian rock is too busy trying to be “okay.”

D: What’s your favorite song from the EP?

CT: “El Dorado” or “Sombrero Galaxy.” Every time we play those songs, I find a new reason to like them. I Sank Molly Brown used to be more math-rock oriented, and we’ve had conversations about being more accessible. It wasn’t a purposeful move, but I think our songs have more hooks and are more about rocking out.

The last time we played “Sombrero Galaxy,” the audience started clapping at the beginning of the song and didn’t stop until the end. There were, like, three people there that we knew, but everyone else seemed stoked on the song. It was awesome.

D: The band is supposedly growing beards until the I Sank Molly Brown EP release show. Is this true?

CT: Yes. We are all growing different styles of beards based on varying kinds of hair. [Laughs.] Dylan has this awesome, Norse-god-like beard. Johnny’s is a more old-timey, Night Before Christmas kind of beard. Mine is more of a Faustian beard. I think we’re going to keep the beards for the show, even if it kills us.