The Expendables bring surf city sound to Monterey.

Santa Cruz is known for a large cadre of surfers, with nicknames like “Ratboy” and “Flea,” who approach wave-riding with an extremely aggressive attitude. And the beach town is also known for its mellow residents. It might seem unlikely that there is a local band that satisfies both of these personality types. But, there is one quartet that placates the thirsts of surfers who want psyche-up music before a session and groovers who want to chill. That band is The Expendables.

Like Sublime before them, The Expendables mix the laid-back sounds of reggae with the sped-up music of punk rock, throwing in a few over-the-top heavy metal solos for good measure. And The Expendables may be Santa Cruz’s most popular local act.  

Formed back in 1999, The Expendables started out as your typical high school band, playing originals and songs from a wide array of artists—from classic rockers Creedence Clearwater Revival to heavy metal act Guns N’ Roses—at birthday parties and school events. “We played prom one time,” drummer/vocalist Adam Patterson admits.

Patterson says that the band really started to gel after high school when bassist Ryan DeMars joined the group. Since the addition of DeMars, the band has toured with acts like Eek-A-Mouse and Slightly Stoopid and recorded three original CDs.  

Their most recent CD, Gettin’ Filthy, was recorded at a San Francisco studio owned by Herbie Herbert, former manager of bigtime acts like Santana and Journey. Gettin’ Filthy features straight ahead rockers like “Set Me Off” along with songs like “Sacrifice,” a reggae sounding number with fluid guitar work.

Now, the band is getting ready to release a double disc with four or five songs on one side and a documentary DVD titled XXX Rated on the flipside. Patterson says the film features The Expendables performing, touring and being involved in some risqué situations.

“There is not much nudity,” he says, trying to assure me that the film is not too offensive. “There is more balls than boobies.”

THE EXPENDABLES PLAY THE LAVA LOUNGE IN CLUB OCTANE, 321 ALVARADO ST., MONTEREY, FRIDAY AT 10PM. NO COVER. 646-9244.