With a classic rock influence Madcap climbs a stairway to SoHo and heaven

Face cold, feet numb, relaxing in a bar called La Margarita. That is where I and the members of an up and coming rock band named Madcap spent the happy hours of our intersession Thursday.

After wandering the city streets of Soho for almost five hours, we figured that there was no better way to warm up than with a table full of buy one get one free margaritas. Ten deep and semi-obnoxious, we mustered up enough courage to ask the waitress to play the band's demo — the same one we had spent the entire day dispersing to the best live venues that Bleecker Street and the Bowery had to offer. So, with a skeptical smile, she agreed and headed for the bar.

Within minutes, the patrons of La Margarita were experiencing the sound of Madcap. For the very first time, the public was hearing the band's music. We sat back, ordered another round and listened to some great rock-n-roll.

Growing up in New Jersey, a day was not complete until the sounds of The Boss's six-string had blessed the ears of my family. The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin all have their nostalgic places in my memory.

But not since the days of "Purple Haze" and "Sgt. Pepper's" has the sound of a band been so special for me. Maybe it is because, for the past several months, I have had the privilege of watching this band progress in the basement of Cottage Club.

Or maybe it is because I am an aspiring musician who wishes he could pick strings as fast and accurately as Madcap's lead guitarist, Mike Ciklin '02. But no matter what the reason, every time I listen to them play I can cordially hear pop culture taking a bat to the side of the head in favor of classic rock, and oh what a sweet sound that is.

Madcap's original sound stems from the vocals of their singer/songwriter Melissa Poulos '02. Poulos has been performing almost her entire life. Her creative songwriting makes her more than just a great voice and brings depth to the band.

Not only does the voice of Madcap bring an original sound to your ears, the guitar riffs are just as refreshing and unique and are a wonderful relief from the popular hip hop rock sound.Ciklin began playing the guitar at the age of 13. When asked to describe what music means to him with just one word, he replied, "indescribable." Ciklin was the captain of his high school football team, but he never let his Fender gather dust.

Keeping a beat and providing constant entertainment for the band is the always comical Eric Gerstner '02. Gerstner can usually be found cracking jokes in the taproom, but he always takes his drum playing seriously.

"I grew up listening to hip-hop," he said about his influences. "When I'm practicing or playing, it's that kind of rhythm that I feel."

Gerstner is not a newcomer to the world of entertainment. On a tape of his aunt's wedding is a scene similar to what you might see on "Before They Were Stars" — an 8-year-old Gerstner tearing up the set for a live band. He was the star of the show, even before he wrestled his cousin for the garter belt.

Inspired by his uncle to play the drums, Gerstner began playing at the age of 6. He gave up his athletic career in favor of his musical pursuits.

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Thanks to Gerstner's rim shots and symbol crashes, Madcap has a sound that is as original as his humor.

Ripping baselines for Madcap is California native Wade Perrin '03. A natural jack-of-all-trades, he is an excellent artist who creates in any medium. Perrin plays the piano, the harmonica and the five-string bass.

Although he contributes mostly bass riffs, he will occasionally throw in a harmonica solo. Perrin's baselines will definitely catch the attention of anyone who is musically savvy enough to know the difference between Keith Richards and your everyday junky. Music has been a part of Perrin's life since he was 13.

In addition to playing upcoming shows at eating clubs, Madcap has gigs in SoHo at Kenny's Castaways tonight at 10:30 p.m., at CBGB's on Sunday night at midnight and at the Elbow Room on March 7.

These venues are renowned for their live rock music and have played host to such greats as Bruce Springsteen, Bob Dylan and Pearl Jam.

Madcap also has downloadable tracks on the Princeton network under the folder listed as 'Brown.'