Black Belt Karate is certainly not lacking in musical credit, as they boast an impressive list of past musical endeavors. Ryan Hanifl, the lead singer and songwriter, has composed music featured in various television shows and national commercials. Jason Achilles Mezilis plays guitar for both Owl and Clock – with Chris Wyse and Vivian Campbell, respectively. Harry Anthony Ostrem plays bass for Dizzy Reed (Guns N’ Roses) and Ryan Brown drums for Zappa Plays Zappa and SexTapes with Chris Pitman (Guns N’ Roses). With solid separate backgrounds, Black Belt Karate feels more like a supergroup than anything else. "Transformer", their new track, has an indie pop California ease cut with NY garage punk influences. They are nostalgic and new at the same time – with a humor and quirk reminiscent of 90’s indie rock giants Cake and Weezer, but with an edgier Queens of the Stone Age sound. The video is a clever take on a police lineup, with Hanifl, Mezilis, Ostrem and Brown acting as the usual suspects. Their charm is apparent and infectious, proving any recognition they receive is both well-earned and deserved. – Jennifer Mergott
