In 1997, the original members of The Matches were students at Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland. They weren’t exactly interested in the same things their fellow students were. They were more interested in being more than local boys. They were looking for their way out, and that was through their music. With the replacement of their lead guitarist, and a name change from The Locals in 2002, The Matches have cemented themselves as a local foursome from Oakland who can pump out pop-punk songs that have enough grunge in them to start the mosh pit going, but give the audience a chance to sing along at the same time.

Their lineup consists of four young men, all straight out of Oakland, who have traveled throughout California, the United States and even to Bosnia. Shawn Harris is the front man of the group with lead vocals and rhythm guitar, and to his right is John Devoto, recently added in January 2002, who plays lead guitar and vocals. To Harris’ left is the always-energized Justin San Souci on bass and vocals, and behind them all, bringing up the percussion, is Matt Whalen, who is also the booking manager for the group.

Their ever-changing appearances, clever songs, and immeasurable energy has garnered them a very loud and very devoted following over the past six years. Their crowds are usually singing along to “Audio Blood,” “Chain Me Free,” or their own personal anthem, “More than Local Boys.” The shows are always packed, especially with hormone-driven 14-year-old girls who crowd the front of the stage (but easily can be dislodged).

These musicians have been paying their dues, and still are with a grueling schedule that currently has them running between Sacramento and Hollywood within one week. The group even performed in Bosnia back in 2000 on a two-week charity tour. It “resulted in amazing, unforgettable experiences, major press and broadcast media attention in Northern California, and a wealth of inspiration for songs.”

Soon The Matches will be returning to the rest of the states with their music, promoting their recently released CD “E. Von Dahl Killed the Locals.” Of course, they’ll return for “L3: Loud, Live, Local in Oakland,” a showcase they host every few weeks that brings in other local bands, such as Solemite and Plain White T’s that share their aspirations as well as fans of all ages. These shows, however, require advance ticket purchase, as they’ve become insanely popular due to The Matches’ large fan base.