BANDS WHO'LL ROCK '09: White Zebra

 White Zebra has played many venues from Brownsville up to McAllen, but the highlight of their career so far has been opening for The December Drive last month. "They [The December Drive] were a big influence on us when we were younger. They're a local band that we looked up to," said Elizondo.

GENRE Rock

FOR FANS OF Mars Volta, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Radiohead

BASED IN Brownsville

FOUNDED Fall 2004 

THE BAND
Adrian Loera, 20, drums
Esteban Elizondo, 20, lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Raul Altamirano, 20, bass
Justin Marin, 17, lead guitar

ALBUMS
>> Empty Your Pockets
>> Give Us Your Souls

WHY THEY'LL BE FAMOUS Well, maybe they won't be famous. Elizondo doesn't think they will be. "We're just doing it because we love it," he said. They're often told that they're the most creative, most talented local band in the entire RGV, but the guys don't let it go to their head. Maybe they'll stick to the motto, "Never believe your own press." If so, these hometown boys will likely keep making great music.

BREAKOUT STAR It's a toss up. Most of the band commands attention. Elizondo flips his hair so often, you wonder if it's really to get it out of his eyes, or to draw attention to those curls and his smile when he sings. Loera has a great sense of humor. Altamirano is so focused on his role as bassist, it's hard to not appreciate him. But Marin may take this one. The youngest of the group, he's a bit quiet and shy, and just adorable. Even the rest of the band says the girls flock to him.

PLANS '09 Most importantly, the band wants to make sure they stay together. They're always writing new music and in the new year, they'll record two new songs. White Zebra still has no plans to tour, but it's a possibility for the summer.

WHAT THE FANS SAY "I love White Zebra because their music is art in rawest form. It's messy, loud, and beautiful. Something rare nowadays." - Marco Contreras, Mission

THE FUTURE There's no pretense here. White Zebra is pure music. They really need to go on tour, because their live show is something everyone needs to see. Only one question remains: is the world ready for White Zebra and their brand of cool?