It isn't rare for a young band to set out to make great music with honest intentions and a love for what they are doing, but it isn't often that a young band gets past the struggles, fights, and tireless hours on the road to become what they set out to be.

"It seems like two minutes ago we were playing Monday night for five people in a dive on campus," says vocalist Brian Frank, "and I guess five years isn't that long in the big scheme of things, but I think we have come a long way."

Fatkid Dodgeball has been over the bumps in the road and is stronger than ever because of them. Forming from the ashes of Columbus bands Choda and Solar Tear, Brian Frank (vocals, bass) and Brian Turnbull (vocals, guitar) set out to make some noise. "We had no idea what we were doing, but we did it anyway. We never set out to play this type of music, or that type of music, we just played." That spirit set the groundwork for an accessible, yet original sound that sets Fatkid Dodgeball apart from the pack.

Originally formed in 2001, FKDB went through a string of line-up changes before they even recorded a demo. "We were very young and it was tough to find that cohesiveness that you need to make a band work," Bull admits. Casey Potts (guitar) joined FKDB just before the recording of their self-titled release in 2002. Fatkid Dodgeball played allover the local bar scene and logged some miles playing at festivals in Chicago, Kentucky, and Cleveland. "High Above" and "Take Your Time" were receiving airplay in the Columbus area, but personal differences led to the departure of original drummer. "We were left with a dilemma that most bands face at some point; Call it quits, or keep on keepin on," jokes Potts. "We loved playing music so we played acoustic shows for almost two years trying to find someone who had the same fire we did," said Turnbull. After auditioning a handful of drummers Fatkid Dodgeball was on the brink. "I was almost at the point of giving up when we met Ryan. We were at a dead end, and then this guy messages us on MySpace. Of course I was skeptical," said Frank, "But what the hell, let's give it a shot." After one audition it was apparent that Ryan Eisert would be the drummer for Fatkid Dodgeball.

"Being in a band is like being married to 3 people and I would be lying if I said we got along great all the time," Frank admits, "But when we step on the stage something happens." "It's pretty hard to describe, but I guess it's like the Goonies. We all are part of this thing, and separately none of us could make it happen. When we all come together that's when there is something happening, that's when we save Astoria," joked Turnbull.

"Our music is never going to save the rainforest," said Ryan, "But I bet if you hear it, and come see us live, that you will leave tired, sweaty, drunk, and smiling. That's where it's at." Their music has come a long way in the short time that they have been together. "I think every song-writer starts out writing about a girl, but after some time you start reflecting on where you are at. Other emotions start to surface that maybe didn't before," said Frank. This growth is apparent on the new album due out in early 2006. Tracks like "High Street" and "Get It" are more mature, honest narratives about growing up, moving on, and letting go. These songs hint at a rougher, more mature Fatkid Dodgeball. Strong bass and rhythms compliment soaring guitars and Frank's powerful vocals. Live staples "Xmas Lights" and "Sleepyhead" are deeper and more mellow, and deal with issues that every twenty-something faces, like loss and pain. For the longtime Fatkid fans, anthems like "Ohio Skies" and "Your Heart" keep the live show upbeat and heavy. Sing-along choruses are filled with more hooks than a tackle-box, so study up on your lyrics before you see FKDB live. "You are expected to sing," jokes Potts.

Fatkid Dodgeball is wrapping up work on their new album, and their new singles "Ohio Skies" and "Get It" are seeing airplay across the Midwest. FKDB recently opened for Rust Records recording artist Cherry Monroe at the storied Odeon in Cleveland. They have started logging serious miles, building a strong following across Ohio and beyond, and are currently booking a Midwest to East Coast tour. Recently, their track "17 Forever" aired on MTV's hit series Laguna Beach. This growing, loyal following knows what many will soon; Fatkid Dodgeball have only just begun.

"[Fatkid Dodgeball] is a study in contrasts: acoustic riffing and electric leads, vocal harmonies and pop-punk energy, and gentle melody over hard-hitting beats," writes D.X. Ferris of Cleveland Scene Magazine. This contrast is what sets them apart. Give them a listen and you'll hear for yourself. Go to a show, and you'll get it. I don't doubt him one bit when Frank sings, "If we can't take this town, then we'll just burn it down," in the new single "Get It." I can almost hear the sirens...