The Forces of Evil

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The Forces of Evil
Background information
Origin	California, United States
Genre(s)	Ska
Years active	2001–2005
Label(s)	Jive

The Forces of Evil was an Orange County-based Ska band, formed in January 2001 with the intention of creating what has been described as a "Ska Supergroup" that would bring greater industry focus and success to the genre of third wave ska. Through catchy and horn-filled tunes, an all-star line-up as well as an indefatigable desire to revive ska, this band had seen much success on the US concert circuit. Sometime in 2005, this band mysteriously dropped out of existence, offering a 4-song obituary album made available to all visitors of their website. Little news is available about the status of the band, other than what can be assumed considering their website hasn't seen an update since December 2004, and their touring has ceased.

1 Background and History
2 Discography
3 Trivia
4 See also
5 External links

[edit] Background and History

Aaron Evil (Aaron Barrett), of Reel Big Fish fame, formed The Forces Of Evil in January of 2001 by recruiting three members of the then recently-defunct ska group Jeffries Fan Club at their farewell concert, Justin Evil (Justin Ferreira), Chris Evil (Chris Colonnier) and Derek Evil (Derek Gibbs). Jay Evil (Jay Lafayette of The Scholars), Jonny Evil (John Throop of Lone Raspberry) were later added to the line - up, and with the addition of friend John Evil (John Christianson), the band was made complete.

Between formation and June of 2002, the band played many concerts across the U.S., playing both songs written by the band and covers of other songs from many genres.

In June of 2002, the band released their first record, an EP titled Because We Care..., featuring tracks that had seen popular receptions during concerts. The first album to be released by The Forces Of Evil appeared in October 2003, titled Friend Or FOE? and featuring tracks previously released on the EP as well as many new tracks, one of particular note being Fight, which was the theme song for Ska Summit 2003, a huge achievement for such a newly-formed band and one that served to increase the group's popularity not only in US Ska circles but also in Ska fans across the world. As such, the band was signed by Jive Records.

As of March 2005, The Forces Of Evil were still recording their second album for Jive Records. According to their online message boards, The Forces of Evil have broken up. This has not been confirmed, though is supported by the fact that they released a Four Song Obituary album available freely on the web.

Aaron has recently stated that the Forces of Evil are finished as a band. He said that the work effort was too similar to the work he was doing with Reel Big Fish, and he has decided to concentrate his efforts on the other band.

Aaron also said that the Forces of Evil was just a fall-back plan because he believed that Reel Big Fish was going to tank after releasing Cheer Up because he thought everyone would hate it. He said he started FoE because "if Reel Big Fish was over, then I'd still want to prove to everyone that I still love ska and love to play it." This was said in the commentary of Reel Big Fish's DVD "You're All In This Together" in their new live album "Our Live Album is Better than Your Live Album."

[edit] Discography

The Forces of Evil's first album, Friend or FOE?, released 2003.

Albums
- Friend or FOE? (2003)
  - 1. Angry Anthem
  - 2. Go To Hell
  - 3. My Life
  - 4. Dance The Night Away
  - 5. Vague Love Song
  - 6. Hey! Woo! Yeah!
  - 7. Mistake
  - 8. Worst Day
  - 9. Maybe I'm Wrong
  - 10. Independent
  - 11. Fight

EPs
- Because We Care... (2002)
  - 1. Vague Love Song
  - 2. My Life
  - 3. Mistake
  - 4. Independent
  - 5. Angry Anthem #347

Net Releases
- 99 Hell (Jay-Z Remix)
- Ball & Chain (Toots and the Maytals cover)
- Four Song Obituary (2005)
  - 1. Good Old Days
  - 2. Ska Show
  - 3. Evil Approaches
  - 4. Missing Piece

[edit] Trivia

Aaron Barrett has been quoted on You're All In This Together as saying that the president of Jive at the release of Friend or Foe? was angered by the fact that it was not the new Reel Big Fish album, and wondered why it wasn't.