Peoples Gang Regroups as Severe Giants

Having laid the name National People’s Gang to rest, the members of National Peoples Gang have regrouped under a new name, Severe Giants.

NPG broke up during the summer of 1991 after recording two strong albums for Doctor Dream Records, “The Hard Swing” and “Orange.” Singer Chad Jasmine said that he realizes now the band’s identity had fundamentally changed after original guitarist-songwriter Chad Forrello left NPG after the second album. Now, the final NPG lineup, with Jasmine, drummer Anthony Arvizu, the brotherly team of Deyo (bass) and Michael (guitar) Glines, and keyboards player Scott Dibble has coalesced once more.

“I really enjoy playing music with these guys a lot,” Jasmine said. “Everybody’s grown in their own way” during the yearlong separation. “It’s neat how we’ve all found each other musically again.”

Severe Giants won’t be playing any of the old NPG songs, said Jasmine, who also has a solo album in the works. “That way, there’s no expectations to live up to or to look back upon” as this old/new band tries to forge a new identity.

AUSTIN INVITE: The South by Southwest Music and Media Conference (SXSW) is accepting applications from performers interested in landing one of about 300 showcase slots at next year’s sixth annual conference, which takes place March 17-21 in Austin, Tex. SXSW is devoted to alternative and off-the-mainstream acts in a wide variety of styles. Such Orange County acts as the Swamp Zombies, Cadillac Tramps and Chris Gaffney & the Cold Hard Facts have played at past conferences. Applications must be submitted by Nov. 16, and can be obtained by calling (512) 467-7979, faxing (512) 451-0754, or writing to SXSW at P.O. Box 4999, Austin, Tex., 78765.