Healthy and Unorthodox

Interview With Bullet Treatment Guitarist D.C.

Orange County

From Issue 1.1, September/October 2004

Caustic, reckless music with an edge that balances the bite of seething lyrics, comes through the stereo speakers screaming at an alarming and deafening rate.  It’s chaotic and hypnotic with a return to the furious under two-minute songs of the past.

Call it yelling.  Call it awful.  Call it the best 13 minutes a modern-day rock album can offer by yesterday’s and today’s standards.  Call

 it what you will, but one thing is certain:  you won’t hear a sound like that anywhere else.

Bullet Treatment’s latest album, What More Do You Want, has all the rage and fun of Black Flag or Minor Threat material.  However, to compare a contemporary band with those of the past, is to perform a trite disservice.  Bullet Treatment is original while perfecting the kind of assault some say can only be  found in history.

“I suppose it’s safe to say we are a punk band,” said guitarist D.C. in an interview. “I mean, I wouldn’t call us pop, or metal, or indie.  But our version of punk is having no rules, no boundaries, no nothing!  Just us doing what we want.  That’s why we change members all the time.  Who says you have to have a set line-up?  Shit.  I guess we are the only punk band out there in that sense.  Everyone else is doing what they are ‘supposed’ to do- whether it be a label, manager, girlfriend, whatever.  No one tells us what to do.  That is punk!”

The band’s album features original songs along with a cover for “What’s Your Problem” by the Circle Jerks.

At the time of the album’s recording, Dan E. was drummer, D.C. was on guitar, JoJo on bass and Matt doing vocals.

However, the most current line-up includes Richie V. for vocals, El Shunko on bass, Dave H. on drums and D.C. playing the guitar.  Geoff Tucker performed in a few special guest spots.

Bullet Treatment’s philosophy seems to center around an ever-changing line-up.  This aspect of the band, sounds more advantageous than most would assume.  Their music is always fresh-the more minds, the more ideas, the better the sound.  At least, that’s the way things have seemed to come out for Bullet Treatment.

  The band’s co-founder, D.C., is the longest mainstay of the band.  He unofficially started Bullet Treatment with Anthony joined by Jojo with Xavier, Danny, Chris and “Daredevil” Dave following.    Originally a cover band, Bullet Treatment’s name came from its first two recorded songs:  “Bullet” from the Misfits and “Gimme Gimme Shock Treatment” by the Ramones.  The band has since written several original songs released on various compilations.

A three year hiatus took place after Bullet Treatment’s first project and then it was back to work in the most untraditional sense of the word.

A typical practice for whatever line-up is working on the current project, includes learning the material in the studio followed by an immediate recording.  The band never tours as rounding everyone up in the same room is challenging enough.

D.C. writes most of the band’s music while lyrics are usually the result of whoever is singing for the current project.

“We have no agenda or specific things that we write about.  I think as soon as you have an ‘agenda,’ you start missing the point,” explained D.C.

It’s an interesting and unconventional way of going about the process, but it seems to be working.  All things considered, it’s rather funny this band is able to operate in the way it does because their seemingly cut and paste approach to the music comes out very clean.

“We figured instead of having to go through the generic band members leaving ‘cause they’ve got other commitments,’ we just figured let’s keep the door revolving on purpose and avoid all problems,” explained D.C. on shifting members.  “Everyone coming in knows they aren’t obligated and that makes it a real easy environment.”

Nevermind public relations career moves or glossy photos with the band members’ faces plastered everywhere.  Bullet Treatment exists to play-and play they do!

Basement Records must have recognized this talent when they signed the group  two years ago after the “Pathetic” track on the Radio Disaster, Volume 2 compilation received positive attention. 

Although Bullet Treatment has been offered opportunities to work with other labels, D.C. said they are happy with Basement.

The band recently finished recording 12 songs with a couple being released on an upcoming record.  The 7” is a split with the Nipples and includes an original song and the cover for “I’m Not a Punk” by the Descendents.

Whatever the sound, it is sure to be loud, fast  music with the Bullet Treatment brand of immediacy amidst no practices, no shows and no consistent line-up. Genius.