Somerville’s own Mallcops, out on the road and having the time of their lives.

By Jimmy Del Ponte

Mallcops is a Boston based “emo-punk “ band that is currently in the midst of a ten state tour with the band Sleeping Patterns. They left on Wednesday, June 1 and two of those “cops” are my sons.

When they were little, they played in a band with me called Electric Smile. My sons Joey Del Ponte, 20, and Jimmy Del Ponte, 18, were 8 and 6 when they played in front of people for the first time at The West Somerville Neighborhood School Talent Show in 2004. Soon they got older, threw me out of the group (lol), and formed a band called Stainless with their friend Lance Mahon. They performed at the first Porchfest in 2011 (before it got crazy.) They played their original songs at Somerville Rocks shows, The Sad Café in NH, and lots of other venues around Mass and NH for about 3 years. They also practiced in the music room at my house where they still do – at least until the neighbors on Morrison Ave. called … the real cops!

Mallcops are (L to R): Drew Moro, Joey Del Ponte, Connor Farnham, and Jimmy Del Ponte.

Then they got a little punkier and formed a band called The Posion Girls Club. This group lasted a couple of years and they had some pretty cool original songs. Eventually they evolved into their current band, Mallcops. They call themselves “emo-punk” but I think they are more “pop rock” as their songs are catchy, upbeat and memorable. My biggest kick is hearing frantic, moshing audiences singing along to their songs at their shows.

The bass player for The Poison Girls Club, Drew Moro, formerly with the band The Blind Commissioner, is now playing guitar. Eventually, they added another well respected guitar player, Connor Farnham, formerly of the band New Jupiter. Joey was on bass, keys and lead vocals, and Jimmy was on drums. They all contribute backing vocals. Mallcops currently have two CD’s out with four songs on each. The first CD is The Funniest Joke You’ve Ever Told, and the second one is called Teeth. Go to  mallcopz.bandcamp.com to listen. They also have a Facebook page and a couple of videos on YouTube.

I chuckled at the name of one of the places they played – Zambo’s House of Voodoo in St. Louis Missouri! As they travel through the Midwest they have been eating at places like Tim Hortons and Golden Corral. They also brought a tent and stayed at a couple of campgrounds.

As Joey Del Ponte tells us: “Zach Boudrot (guitarist of Sleeping Patterns,) booked this tour completely on his own, utilizing friends made on the internet and connections from bands that have toured through MA. Most of the shows are in small DIY (do-it-yourself) venues like private parties in people’s basements, kitchens and living rooms along with clubs and halls. The shows have been well attended and we’ve been making friends with tons of people through the Midwest. Other members of Sleeping Patterns are Sam, Stevie, Chris, and Evan.”

Electric Smile before a concert: Joey, Dad and Jimmy.

“All of the shows so far have been great, but a highlight was when our show got shut down by the cops in Indianapolis. Just when we thought it was over, a kind neighbor offered up their sound proofed basement and the whole show moved across the street and it continued without a problem.”

“The best part of being a small, DIY touring band is the willingness of those we meet to help us out. Everyone we’ve met (especially those who have toured independently, and know the struggles of being a band on the road) has been extremely Kind. Many people have offered up their couches and floors for us to crash on, pointed us in the direction of awesome local food places and donated money or bought band merchandise (T-shirts, hats, CD’s and tapes) from us to help with gas and other expenses. The best part of touring is seeing new places every day, meeting new and different people, and exploring. We love being on the road and playing for a different crowd every night and we’re absolutely having the times of our lives.”

Also touring with Mallcops is photographer Alec Gervais.

The states on the tour are Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, Massachusetts and Connecticut.

I am a big fan of Mallcops music and of the four hard working and dedicated full time college students (Jimmy starts in September) who make up the group. I admire that they believe in their music and have the courage and determination to follow their dream. Good luck to Mallcops and Sleeping Patterns. Drive carefully, be safe, rock on, have fun, and I look forward to seeing you guys home just in time for Father’s Day.