Being Mormon is so punk rock
- posted: 13 Feb 2007
- scrollarts@byui.edu
Photo courtesy The Mormons
Wearing a white shirt, tie, backpack and a black tag usually means someone is a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but that’s not always the case.
The Mormons are a punk rock band from Los Angeles, Calif., who, for the past eight years, have dressed up like Latter-day Saint missionaries when they perform. The interesting part is that none of the band members are affiliated with an organized religion.
So why dress up like missionaries? Some might say it’s a clever gimmick, but according to The Mormons’ “mission” statement: “We don the image of Mormon missionaries, symbolizing the dedication, the sacrifice, and the obsession common in most artists.”
Their “mission” statement also says the missionary uniforms act as a fashion neutralizer that combats “the fashion show that conceals the mediocrity that is most mainstream music today.”
And people seem to enjoy the departure. “Since our first show, we knew we had something good going,” said guitarist Vince O’Campo. “Whether it’s the metaphor we ride on or just the plain visual of Mormons playing rock music … I think it’s great!”
The Mormons also said that real Latter-day Saints have largely responded positively to the band’s unique image. “They seem more flattered than anything else,” O’Campo said.
Most of The Mormons’ songs are as eccentric as their look. Lyricist and lead singer Patrick Jones said that the song topics range from “the absurdity of proper grooming habits” to “post apocalyptic sub cultures” to “Mr.T’s ‘Be Somebody’”.
Lowcut magazine described The Mormons’ sound as “straight-ahead punk rock, angular and intense, with melodies bordering on power pop.”
As a way to self-promote, the band created the “Mormons Mobile Unit.” With portable, battery powered amps, a megaphone and marching band drums they take their trademark sound to the Los Angeles streets in hopes of gaining more fans.
“What could be cooler than a mobile rock band walking toward you on the street? How ‘bout if it’s The Mormons?” O’Campo said. “People love ‘The Mormons Mobile Unit.’”
The Mormons compare themselves to religious fanatics, and O’Campo says that of all the things to be fanatical about, music is probably the best. “Aren’t you glad we’re just fanatic musicians?” O’Campo said.
The Mormons have recorded 10 new songs and have plans to tour in 2007, possibly stopping in Idaho. Students can check out www.themormonsband.com for more information. 
