On track

If you don’t like metal and aren’t yet eligible for AARP membership, Reno can be a tough town in which to find good local acts, but Wayward means you can do it.

The band members range in age from 18 to 19, so you probably won’t see them at a lot of 21-and-above venues, but they do play a ton of shows at places like The Underground and the University of Nevada, Reno.

They write everything they play, so music fans are sure to get something fresh. Their material’s pretty good, too. They’re smooth and upbeat and a little punky; midway between The Killers and Blink182. You can hear their chemistry, probably because three of the four band members have been together since the sixth grade.

True to their name, Wayward plans to wander around. They’ll be in Las Vegas in August, Boise, Idaho on July 5, and in San Diego to record a new album when they get enough money together.

“That’s why we’re doing all the touring [prep] now,” explains 19-year-old guitarist Allen Lewis. “Our parents wouldn’t let us go.”

“They thought we’d get in trouble on the road,” adds 19-year-old singer and guitarist Chris Stanton. “They thought we’d choose drugs and alcohol over education.”

Rounding out the quartet, 18-year-old Paul Curatolo rocks the drums, and Brad Crane, 19, plays the bass and looks like a hippie.

Wayward is a serious effort and a good listen. If you want a change of pace, check them out. If you don’t, they just might despair and fall into a life of drugs and prostitutes.