Des Demonas

Grafting the smarts and strong point of view of indie rock with the tough, retro influences of garage punk, Des Demonas are a band from Washington, D.C. that includes several talented veterans of the local underground music scene. Des Demonas feature Jacky Cougar Abok on lead vocals and percussion, who was born in Kenya and previously played drums in Thee Lolitas and Foul Swoops. Guitarist Mark Cisneros' résumé includes stints with Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds, Medications, and Deathfix, while he also played drums with the Make-Up and Benjy Ferree. Keyboard man Paul Vivari was also one of Cisneros' bandmates in Benjy Ferree, and spins vintage R&B sides at D.C. clubs as Soul Call Paul. Bassist Joe Halladay was previously a member of Citygoats, and drummer Ryan Hicks is a veteran of the group Suns of Guns. After making a name for themselves on the D.C. club circuit, with Abok's declamatory vocals facing off against the churning groove of the music, they landed a record deal with respected indie/punk label In the Red Records, which released their self-titled debut in December 2017.
© Mark Deming /TiVo