This year at Bowdoin, there has been no band that has played with quite as much tenacity—and frequency—as The NARPs.

Composed of bassist Aggie Kelly '13, singer and guitarist Andrew Roseman '14 and drummer Charlie Fogarty '14, The NARPs' sound is rooted in heavy blues, funk and psychedelic rock. Performing both a wide variety of covers and original material, the band is well-known for its ability to improvise; the trio prides itself on its ability to come up with new songs in speechless 20-minute jam sessions. The NARPs opened for Surfer Blood at last week's WBOR fall concert, and has also performed at Mac House, the Pub, off-campus houses, Quadzilla, and—this past Saturday afternoon—Crack House.

For this week's column, I interviewed the motley crew of sassy young rock stars about everything from teenage angst to first year make-out sessions.

Sam Fichtner: Aggie, how did you ever stumble across these two wild sophomores?

Aggie Kelly: When I got to Bowdoin, I only played with other students every once in a while, but wasn't involved in any ongoing projects until one of my friends brought Andrew along to a jam session one day last year. The next time I played with Andrew, he brought Charlie along with him. The three of us played together only once before we all left for spring break. After we got back, there was about a week and a half to go before the Battle of the Bands. I contacted Andrew and Charlie, and we decided we wanted to play in the show. Over the next week, we wrote two songs and a cover, and The NARPs were born.

SF: Your band name, The NARPs, is a slang term for non-athletes. It's a somewhat self-deprecating name and comes off as deriding the image of our athlete-oriented school. How much, if at all, does that band name play a part in your image?

Charlie Fogarty: First off, Aggie, Andrew and I are all extremely athletic. You can tell a lot about a man by his shoes, and a lot about a band from their name. The NARPs want to offend you...then make you dance, laugh and cry. Our name is the sassy truth, for we will all one day be NARPs.

Andrew Roseman: Though Charlie goes to the gym and has a rockin' bod, Aggie and I entertain more slightly casual physiques. Our image is pretty perfect for our attitude.

SF: Andrew, your voice in some sense has become a fourth instrument in the band; your howls and screams have become one of the most seductive elements of the NARPs' sound. How have you developed this "yelling" voice and how do you think it serves your sound?

AR: I'm not exactly sure where the voice comes from. I never really thought I had much rage, but sometimes I just get really excited and my "yelling" seems to be the only proper way to express the spirits. Actually, I think I have a fair share of angst, which most likely stems from my rebellious teenage years, which I am currently in. So my angst translates into howling.

SF: Charlie, you've been part of many bands on campus and have had the opportunity to play several styles of music; at certain points last year, you were involved in four different projects at once. What specific satisfaction and creative energy do you derive from being a part of this group?

CF: Playing in The NARPs is like meditating and kickboxing at the same time. It relaxes and infuriates...but always rewards. We have a chemistry that lets us play, rearrange and write songs without saying anything. Add Aggie's sultry bass and devilish charm to Andrew's punk/funk guitar and Al Green-like voice, and my creative energy always gets going.

SF: How would you compare the work and practice you do as a band to that of an athlete; what sets you guys apart?

AR: Well, we sweat sometimes. We give it our all. Actually, we sweat all the time.

AK: In many ways, athletes work much harder than we do. Instead of working two hours every day and obeying my coaches, I can play when I want, be as productive as I want, and achieve the result that I desire...and there's no better feeling than playing music for a screaming audience.

CF: It takes dedication, perseverance and endurance. We are a small team, but a team nonetheless.

SF: How do you feel about music at Bowdoin in general? Is it in need of something more, or is it moving in a good direction?

AR: As much as I love being asked to play shows as often as we are, it would be fantastic to see more bands on campus.

CF: Of course we love music at Bowdoin; and of course we can take more. Come to a NARPs show and you will soon agree with me. Everyone hates something...but nobody hates music.

AK: I think that music is certainly growing. Already, this year I've seen so much more live music than when I was a freshman. It seems that most just want to get drunk and listen to DJs at parties, which is great, but ignore the live opportunities on campus. I have as much fun on the dance floor as anybody, but I always prefer a great live band to a computer.

SF: Charlie, for some finals words, give me one moment you've had playing a show in which you've felt totally electrified?

CF: Mac House, early October. The NARPs were about nine songs deep into a hot and sweaty performance. The room was 105 degrees and dimly lit. We were setting the mood with one of my favorite tunes, "Rosie O'Donnell." As the song crescendoed, I looked out to the audience and saw three, maybe four couples making out. People clapping is nice, dancing's even better...but kissing...[is] how you know they enjoy it. So that moment...and Crack House during the daytime.

This week's five hum and beats:

The NARPs - "I Got Mine" (originally by The Black Keys)

Jefferson Airplane - "White Rabbit"

M83 - "Midnight City"

Phillip Glass - "Mad Rush"

The Naked + Famous - "Young Blood"