Mary Axe, Campbell’s long running power pop trio, released their debut album, Straight out of Campbell, last year, a full eight years in the making. Now only a year later, they’re calling it quits. There’s no internal conflict or anything. Their bass player, Daniel Joeston is moving to Utah.
“As our brother and friend, he will be sorely missed, but he has his wife and new baby waiting for him in Utah,” guitarist Alex Pansoy told me recently via email. “It just doesn’t feel right continuing on without him,”
Anyone a fan of Mary Axe’s distinct sound, a potent blend of Cheap Trick, Smashing Pumpkins and Green Day, need not fret—Pansoy and drummer Josh Joesten have no plans to stop making music anytime soon. They just don’t want to do it as Mary Axe without Daniel.
“Josh and I plan to continue on, but hopefully a more focused and strategic approach the next time around,” Pansoy said. “Mary Axe was great, but we made so many mistakes.”
Mary Axe plays their final show this coming Wednesday at the Blank Club. Stop by and wish them well. East Bay’s flamboyant art-punk rockers 100%, opens the show.
Mary Axe Plays Blank Club on Wednesday, May 2. The show starts at 9pm. Admission is free.
.Campbell Pop Trio Mary Axe calls it quits
