The '80s-pop inspired group Rooney is comprised of Robert Carmine (vocals/guitar), Taylor Locke (guitar), Matt Winter (bass), Louie Stephens (keyboards), and Ned Brower (drums). They began honing their own indie rock appeal in 2000 and cite the Beach Boys and ELO as major influences. Trickles of Blur, Superdrag, and the Cars echo throughout their spunky rock sound, however Rooney is no copycat. Carmine did the college thing for awhile in New York City, but it wasn't exactly his calling. Instead, he and his best friends formed a band and made their live debut in early 2002 while opening for his older brother's band, Phantom Planet. Carmine is the younger sibling of drummer/actor Jason Schwartzman. Several months later, Rooney joined Keith Forsey (Billy Idol, the Psychedelic Furs, Simple Minds) in the studio to record material for their debut album. Dates with the Vines and Weezer coincided those sessions. Spring 2003 saw the release of Rooney's self-titled debut. ~ MacKenzie Wilson, All Music Guide
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