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COURTESY OF OTTO
Local punk band the Knumbskulls has reformed after being apart for nearly a year and a half. Despite being homeless and living on the streets of Kapahulu, their music has always been their familial-like bond.

Going Knumbskull

By Jacquelyn Carberry
jcarberry@starbulletin.com

When the lead singer of the local punk band Knumbskulls starts talking about the band, unexpected dark notes come up.

As he speaks, you begin to hear a tale with familiar strains running through it. It's the story of four young musicians who passed up opportunities in life for the sheer pleasure of playing music together. While that is true, Aaron's story is also peppered with hard times such as homelessness, a past drug overdose and the death of a loved one, which he is still adjusting to.

Knumbskulls with The Sticklers, 86 List and special guests
Where: Pipeline Cafe, 805 Pohukaina St.
When: 6 p.m. Friday
Admission: $5
Call: 834-6886

Aaron (who, like the rest of his bandmates, only goes by his first name) doesn't exactly remember when he joined the Knumbskulls or when the band relocated to the mainland for a chance to seek out a larger punk scene. He doesn't remember dates so much. But he does remember the mixed emotions he had when he signed off from the band, which was nearly two years ago at the Pink Cadillac on the edge of Waikiki. Even now, Aaron still wonders if he made the right move in "taking a breather" and asking the rest of the group to do the same.

But after a couple of tough breaks since then, Aaron is enthusiastically looking forward to getting back together with his bandmates in a reunion show at Pipeline Cafe on Friday night.

"I've had a smile on my face this last month," he said. "I am ready to go back and do it all over. Like food or anything else, music can be an addiction."

The four members of the Knumbskulls grew up willingly on the streets in Kapahulu, due in part to the fractured familial relationships of some of the members. The band's name dates back to the nickname they had at that time, earned in part because of their close friendship and also because of a wariness a few of their neighbors had for the young group, who were all about 17 at the time.

"Most of us shared in the same lifestyle," said Aaron. "We lived on the streets, or bounced around, and we would play music. We were driven to play music, everyone had a love for it. Most of us didn't get along with our families. I've started getting closer in the last few years, but family was not a part of it then. We played music because it brought us closer together in the clique. When I hear other bands say 'we did things pretty hard,' I think 'you haven't been to Hawaii.' "

This weekend's showcase marks the first time all four Knumbskulls have played together in one room in the past 18 months. But during the break they continued to write bits and pieces of new songs, swapping lyrics and music by mail.

The band is busily preparing for the show. About six months ago, Aaron bumped into longtime punk promoter, Otto, who's part of the 86 List, which will also play in the show.

"I was so excited when he asked us to play. It wasn't like we played and said 'let's see...' This is a chance to be on stage and play with friends," said Aaron. "I'm thankful to all our friends and our fans and I'm just so thankful to Otto. He was a supporter of us even when we were homeless. He would come and bring us food back then."

COURTESY OF OTTO
The 86 List.

WHILE THE rest of the band -- drummer Dave, bass player Nelson and guitarist Clif -- still practice together in their spare time in their new home base of Long Beach, Calif., Aaron is managing a hardware store in Hawaii. He plans to join the rest of his group in California early next year if all goes well.

Seeking a larger music scene in 2003, Aaron was the first of the four to move to California as planned, but while waiting for the rest of the band to join him, he had second thoughts and moved back to Hawaii. He planned to return to the mainland, but shortly after coming back here, his older brother died.

"My older brother killed himself. I stayed around to emotionally support my mother," said Aaron, his voice shaking with emotion. "I don't know why it happened. After my brother passed away, I wanted to be around my mother and make sure she was OK. It's one of those things that was important. The guys understood.

"Music was a way to release emotions. Happiness was not a real emotion. The music was more about trials and tribulations. Not necessarily about rebellion, but about hope for life. We are punk at heart, but we're not punk rockers.

"Music has been out of my life for about a year. I regret not playing. I gave up music to work a nine-to-five job. I've gotten promotions and it's the first time I've had a place by myself since I was 17. My perception has changed -- we've all grown up and changed -- but I miss creating music.

"At home, people like what you're doing, and if I could have that kind of reaction in another state, that would be great. During our heyday, we had 300 (to) 400 kids coming to a show. I don't have any illusions of grandeur, it's great if we get mail from a kid in the Philippines who loves our band. I would love to just be able to earn a living off of touring and recording. If I can do that in five years, too, for myself, I would be just as happy."