Calico System

Calico System formed in the summer 1997 as a group of friends who wanted to play music that which adhered to no “rules.” This being held true to the current day, the overly energetic quartet, hailing from the St. Louis area, take a variety of different elements from metal & hardcore and seamlessly fuse them with emo, groovecore, punk and various other genres, creating a sound that deftly defies the laws of musical implementation. Then, combing this with: rhythmically complex music, an amazing and entertaining live show, hard work, determination, and the maintaining of good attitudes towards everyone they come in contact with, one can see the basis for what Calico System is all about.

"Typical.” Never the word to be used when describing Calico System, a five-piece band hailing from the St. Louis area. Deftly defying the laws of musical implementation, Calico System confidently takes a variety of different elements from alternative-metal & hardcore and seamlessly fuses them with emo, groovecore and various other genres. And with a formula consisting of: rhythmically complex music, an amazing and entertaining live show, hard work, determination, and the maintaining of good attitudes towards everyone they come in contact with, Calico System has emerged as one of the leading bands not only in St. Louis, but also throughout the Midwest region.

Blessed with a vocalist who can sing as well as draw from his various other influences, Calico System’s frontman, Mark Owens, displays a variety of diverse components with the strength of his abilities lying in his beautiful harmonies. From melodic singing & hardcore screams to System of a Downesque rants, Owens relays his lessons learned form life in a unique, intelligent, and emotionally charged way. Following Mark to complete the equation known as Calico System are Guitarists-Geoff Cardin and Shawn Keith, Bassist-Justin Haltmar, and Drummer-Erik Ramsier.

Having influences from such groups as Hum, Mr. Bungle, Faith No More, Bjork, Sunny Day Real Estate, Glassjaw, Taproot, System of a Down, Cindy Lopper, MC Hammer, and Milli Vanilli (just joking about the last three) Calico System has created a sound that is definitely worthy of being called “all their own,” and has gained them opening spots for such bands as Hatebreed, Finger Eleven, Poison the Well, Crowbar, PrimeSTH, UPO, Living Sacrifice, God Forbid, and Dog Fashion Disco.

Lineup:
Vocals - Mark Owens
Guitar - Shawn Keith
Guitar - Rick Giardano
Bass - Justin Haltmar
Drums - Erik Ramsier