Wasted Noise gives new meaning to the term “garage band.” Each Thursday, they practice in the backroom of California Collision in Salinas, which is owned and operated by bassist Hank Macias. The room is cluttered with a collection of empty cans of Tecate and long-gone bottles of Patron. Strategically placed speakers are set to deafening decibel levels. In one corner is a poster of Captain Morgan, smiling in approval.

The body shop serves as the Wasted Noise war room, the not-so-secret headquarters where the band plots its takeover of the Monterey music scene. It was here that the band members masterminded their coup of the Monterey Rock Wars in December.

At that battle-of-the-bands show, Wasted Noise took the stage with a blitzkrieg that was quickly backed by an infantry of loyal fans—in a matter of minutes, it seemed as if all of Salinas had arrived at Club Octane. Before the first note was played, the competition was already over. And the party had started: the kind of wild party that well defines Wasted Noise.

“We’re all about making people feel good,” says lead singer Milo Zavala. “We want to make the crowd feel like they’re a part of every song.”

Their landslide victory at the Rock Wars netted them $1,500 cash and recording time at InDigital Studios (as well as “a couple of girls,” according to drummer Fernando Estrada). With that bounty, they’ve put together a self-titled eight-song EP and released a live album recorded at Moe’s Alley in Santa Cruz.

The live album captures the essence of their raucous shows. Their intoxicating blend of ska, punk, and reggae isn’t meant merely to be heard, but experienced.

This is not Sublime–style reggae-rock minimalism. Wasted Noise’s lead guitarist, Ruben Macias (Hank’s kid brother) fills in the blanks with riffs that jump from wah-wah pedal funk to crunching distortion to bouncy punch-punk pop.

What distinguishes Wasted Noise is the wide variety of musical styles the band is able to incorporate into the roots-rock-reggae foundation. The horn section, consisting of Daniel Miltz on trumpet and Mony Lujan on trombone, has extensive experience in jazz and salsa. Estrada is a madman behind the drum set, with thundering double bass beats he learned during stints in several death metal bands he survived before joining Wasted Noise. German, his brother in both blood and rhythm, provides a subtle Latin flavor by alternating between bongos and electric piano.

The unique sound is a product of its environment, Zavala says. The band is quick to credit its hometown with helping to forge its persona.

“We emerged from our surroundings,” Zavala says. “Each of us, at one point or another, has fallen in with the wrong crowd. Growing up in a place like this, it’s tough to avoid getting in trouble.”

But each of the members of Wasted Noise has overcome, thanks in great part to their bandmates and to the music they make together.

“For us, music was a different path,” Zavala says. “It was a way for us to turn the negative influences of our surroundings into something positive.”

They’ve reached a point in life where they can look back upon the hardships of youth and celebrate the experiences they’ve shared. And each Wasted Noise show is indeed a celebration.

~ ~ ~

Their Saturday night show at the Lava Lounge serves as a victory lap of sorts for the Wasted Noise crew, just a few stairs away from the site of their Rock Wars win. This time, they’ve brought along 3 Hour Shower, a talented trio of recent graduates of Monterey and Seaside High Schools. The 3 Hour Shower sound is similar to that of Wasted Noise, with more emphasis on light-hearted pop-punk elements than harder riffs. It suits the band’s easygoing outlook. “We started as a couple friends picking up our instruments and goofing around,” Melicia says. “We don’t do anything too heavy.”

Those mellow beginnings are taking them to serious success. Earlier this month, the band was recruited by LA’s LBOE Records, which stands for “little bit of everything.” The deal, which the band has yet to sign, includes funding for recording a full-length album and a West Coast tour.

“It’s on us,” Melicia says. “They’re just waiting until we’re ready.” In the meantime, the band is recording an EP with the help of Aaron Rauber from hard rock outfit Retribution, and strengthening their live show. But since each member is under the age of 23, there’s plenty of time to develop.

The two bands playing Saturday stand out in sharp contrast with the usual heavy metal bands that play at the Lava Lounge. This is funrock, plain and simple.

“Our music isn’t the kind of stuff that makes people want to punch each other,” Zavala says. “When people come to our shows, they usually have a beer in their hand and a smile on their face.”  

WASTED NOISE AND 3 HOUR SHOWER play the Lava Lounge, located in Club Octane at 321 Alvarado St. in Monterey, Saturday, Feb. 3, at 9pm. No cover. 646-9244.