Do-good rockers Spinfarm bring leafy green tunes to the Mucky Duck.

Beating Rap: From the Guns N’ Roses-inspired Cheap Wine to the heavy metal group Sane, Spinfarm drummer/lead singer Adam Stafford has rocked with several local bands since the ’80s. Red Jeanette

Do-good rockers Spinfarm bring leafy green tunes to the Mucky Duck.

By Adam Joseph

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Spinfarm churns out plump, juicy and multi-colored tunes that could be compared to organic heirloom tomatoes. The Salinas band’s tagline, “No GMOs [Genetically Modified Organisms],” refers to music they do that’s a natural creation befitting organic farmers harvesting fields of untainted fruits and veggies. 

Food seems to be a theme of the group formerly known as Tumbleweed in more ways than one. Over the past month, they’ve been working with the Santa Cruz nonprofit Grind Out Hunger, which plans on expanding to Monterey County soon and enlists skateboarders, surfers, snowboarders and musicians to “take leadership in the fight against childhood hunger and malnutrition.” 

The trio’s August performance at the Catalyst raised enough in food and cash donations to provide more than 370 meals to hungry kids. The show also diverged in another generous direction: Instead of releasing an official debut LP, frontman Adam Stafford decided to release a CD recording of its live set that they’ve been giving away free at shows. 

With Stafford on drums and lead vocals, Brendon Ghiringhelli on bass and Don Rodriguez on guitar and synth, Spinfarm delivers a savory-sweet conglomeration of influences, from Pink Floyd and Iron Maiden to Kiss and Rush. 

“When we put it all together, something completely unique comes out,” Stafford says. “It’s a natural creation.” 

“Satan [Space Jam]” is one of the standouts of the Catalyst recording. The instrumental jam unleashes thunderous Megadeth-esque riffage and dramatic chord progressions that recall Sunset Strip hair bands like L.A. Guns and Faster Pussycat. On “Boondox,” they unload a package of tightly wound rhythmic punches complemented by Stafford’s metal throwback vocals. 

Spinfarm performs these songs and more Friday at the Mucky Duck, with Qiensave opening. Stafford says there haven’t been many opportunities to perform in Monterey County lately so he’s happy about the gig. Playing music, auxiliary benefits be damned, remains the primordial priority. 

“It’s not about sex, drugs and money,” Stafford says. “It’s just about the music.” 