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"How Much Head? NEPA can't seem to get enough"
Mike Faillace - Follow-up Article To Weekender Coverspot
The Weekender — June 11, 1998
"Depends on where you cut it," 40 lb. Head bassist Steve Egenski said as he sat on one of the stools in the dimly lit back room of Jitterbugs.
We had been discussing the actual weight of the human head for about five minutes now.
"If you cut it at the base of the neck, you're going to get a few more pounds in there rather than if you cut it right at the base of the skull," he further explained.
Figuring in the weight of the head (plus some of the neck), you come up with ten pounds. There are four band members in 40 lb. Head. Makes sense.
40 lb, Head hailing from Plymouth Mountain (Nanticoke), is made up of a trio of brothers and drummer, Mike Zubritski. The four met while attending scholl in Nanticoke.
Brothers Jason, Brian, and Steve Egenski provide the harmony to Zubritski's rhythm. Jason handles vocals and keyboards, Brian supplies the bass, and Steve rounds out the sound on guitar.
The band, celebrating two years toghether on June 12 when their first CD entitled Savior Self is officailly released at Jitterbugs, has sited influences as diverse as Pink Floyd and Run DMC to their auspicious sound.
"We listeded to a wide varieet of stuff growing up," said Brian, the acclaimed ladies man of the quartet.
Despite their upbeat music, 40 lb. Head has many messages within their lyrics - most of which are written by the self nominated pilot of the group, Steve.
Subtle complaints presented in a manner that is apppealing to the ears seems to be a common thread in most of the band's songs. Relationships, government, and self worth are social ills addressed within the verse.
"We're dreamers, that's what we are," commented Steve on the band's general outlook.
But even dreamers can't rock and roll all the time.
"We're just hoping one day people will pay us enough to write music and hang out all day," frontman Jason said.
Until then, the band must hold "regular" jobs while working their way to stardom.
Zubritski is a 6th grade social studies teacher at Nanticoke; all three Egenski brothers are employed by Altest where they work as enviromental consultants.
Their enviromentality is expressed on the cover art of Savior Self, which portrays a young boy picking up an empty plastic container from a beach.
Another indication of 40 lb. head's love for the outdoors reared its head when I inquired as to what they do in their spare time.
"Anything and everthing outdoors," they answered in unison, "mountain biking, rock climbing, skiing ... everything."
In talking with the band, I came to respect what they're doing for the area music scene. They never missed an opportunity to express their gratuity to fans, Jitterbugs owner Lyn Carey and other local bands.
While we sat talking, several fans and friends approached the band.
Fans.
The same fans who I noticed ripping through the lyrics of 1-9-6 along with Jason laTER On. $0 lb. Head obviously has a following in this area.
It's only a matter of time before it spreads.
40 lb of Personality:Jason Egenski, 22
Vocals, keyboard
Weight of Head: 10 lb
Philosophy: you only ever do two things in your
life: Weigh your options and
make a decision.
Fave Drink: Rumplemans
Fave Eatery: Burger King
Steve Egenski, 26
Guitar
Weight of head: 10 lb.
Philosophy: The worm and the toad.
Fave drink: Southern Comfort
Fave eatery: Ruby Teusday
Mike Zubritski, 26
Drummer
Weight of head: 10 lb.
Philosophy: No matter how bad you have it,
it's not as bad as something worse.
Fave drink: Jack and Coke
Fave Eatery: Cooper's, Pittston
Brian Egenski, 27
Bass
Weight of head: 10 lb.
Philosophy: Life is like when you have a new car.
The miles are low, so you drive it really
hard and beat on it. As the car gets older
and you put more miles on it, you tend to ease up.
Fave drink: Jack and Coke
Fave eatery: Lone Star