Yesterday's Lemons

Author

By Michael Hemmingson

Publish Date

Nov. 24, 2004

The one-person band brings to mind images of a bass drum strapped to the chest, cymbals hooked to the knees, an accordion slung to the side, and a harmonica harnessed in front of the mouth. These days, with MIDI synthesizers and computers running sequencing programs, it's a tad easier for the one-person acts to hold their own.

In the 1980s, the "thing" was two-man bands like Soft Cell, Bronski Beat, and the Pet Shop Boys: someone on the electronic instruments, the other singing. Following this form, Earnest Rapture began as a two-person project in 1997 with college friends Cara Mia and Mark, hailing from New Jersey with plenty of synthesizers but no computer. They began work on what would be their first album, Yesterday's Lemons, but Mark, according to Mia, committed suicide before the album was finished. She completed the project in her partner's wake and continued solo.

Retro-'80s synth-pop is what Earnest Rapture is all about -- melodic, poetic, somewhat dark but always danceable -- an homage to the digitized music culture of a past decade.

Why the move to San Diego? "Because the company I work for relocated here," says Cara. "I also publish an online multimedia magazine with contributors from around the world. The next issue will be refining its focus to recycled artwork."

Around town, Earnest Rapture is often seen at the Whistle Stop in South Park and the Faction-6 DJ event at Kadan in North Park. Cara is currently working on a Sunday night venue called Ballyhoo's at Club Recognize, 4746 El Cajon Boulevard. "The music is '80s, new-wave pop, and electronica live performances," she says, "with some films and art shows too."