Modena is an Italian word and vox is Latin. “We’re not The Cars or The Beatles, and we were fairly confident no one else would have the name Modena Vox.” “I just started writing down words on paper, words that sounded like poetry,” Savage said. The band’s name stems from the group’s desires not to have a name that began with ‘the,’ and one that would not pigeon-hole the sound. Timperman met Harris in 1998 at Ashland University, and shortly after graduation, they moved to Columbus and eventually formed a band. “Mainly what I do derives from poetry,” Timperman said.

Meanwhile, Timperman falls entirely outside of the band’s sphere of influence, preferring poets like Sylvia Plath and Ezra Pound. Bassist Thomas Bragg says Flea – of the Red Hot Chili Peppers – made him want to play music, and guitarist Daniel Harris asserts Cream’s “Crossroads” album inspired him to play the guitar. Drummer Mike Savage cites Stuart Copeland of the Police, and guitarist JJ De Libera is most interested in grunge music. These individual influences seem schizophrenic as each band member lists seperate favorites. They collectively cite groups like The Police, The Smiths and The Cure as influences, and the 1980s are one of the strings that tie the group members’ individual influences together. With their melodic guitar strums and consistent drum beats, the band has a sound not unlike The Strokes, but, as evident from the songs “Hard Pressed” and “Leo,” the band also possess a lushness and density to its music that is inviting. We’re loud and rocking but into the feel of dancing.” “We’re not distorted, not all loud and obnoxious. “We’re not pioneering some new rock,” lead singer Anthony “Tony” Timperman said.

The straight-up rock ‘n’ roll band Modena Vox hits Columbus tonight – one of four acts presented in the bigJ Entertainment “Break Out” show.

Red vox band members