On Halloween night, while the children of Ames took to the sidewalks with their costumes and orange pumpkin buckets and ISU students recuperated from a weekend well spent, a group called Atombender was busy performing for a nonexistent crowd and intently practicing their repertoire of original ska.

The group took a brief break from the Monday night practice session to talk about the band and their glamorous life as wannabe rockstars.

With their diverse instrumentation and youthful vigor, Atombender stakes the claim that they are easily one of the most unique musical groups in Ames.

The group consists of seven music-loving adolescent guys and lead vocalist and trombonist Jon Rohlf says they are “full of youthful enthusiasm.”

They have a few key characteristics that make them stand out from other local bands.

“For one thing, we have a sweet horn section,” Rohlf says. “But I guess Twistin’ Trees has that, too. Um… we also have a hot synth player that does handstands.”

The synth player is the latest addition to the band, which is becoming much more comfortable with itself after nearing the finish of its first year of existence. Synth player Michael Davis says he is honored to be a part of the band.

“It all started one fateful day when I decided to buy a keyboard – because I have poor judgment. And no musical training,” Davis says. “So then I started learning stuff in my bedroom and played a little bit with the Iron Fist of Justice. Atombender saw me play with IFOJ and asked me if I would like to play a show with them, so I said yes,” he says.

The rest of the band assembled last November for the purpose of quelling their boredom and giving themselves something constructive to do.

“One day, Jacob and I were sitting in study hall,” Rohlf says. “The study hall teacher that looks like a bulldog was yelling and we were bored – so we decided to make a band because we love music. And we especially love ska music.”

He says the band wasn’t that great when it started, but it has seen a lot of improvement in recent months.

“When we started, we pretty much really sucked,” Rohlf jokes. “After practicing a lot, I can proudly say that we only kind of suck now.”

Atombender consists of mostly novices to the music scene, with only one band member who has any experience in a band.

“When we started we didn’t really know much about being in a band, but we’ve learned quickly,” says guitarist Zach Brenner.

“I like to think we put on a good show, and we have a crazy group of fans.

“Without me, there wouldn’t be an Atombender – until they found another guitarist that’s better than me, which wouldn’t be too hard, I guess.”

Rohlf says, above all else, Atombender is about having a good time.

“We have a lot of fun together and we hopefully invoke that feeling in other people,” he says.

“One time, Smiley (vocals, trumpet) mooned us while we were recording; that was pretty sweet,” guitarist Jacob King says.

“The best part about being in a band is probably all the attention we get from girls,” he adds.

“Yeah, the best part is probably all the ladies,” Davis says.

“The babes and the money,” Rohlf says.

Atombender is getting ready to compete Saturday in the final round of the high school battle of the bands at Blinks, 323 Fifth St. Having already braved the first two rounds of competition, the band will now face off for the title with fellow Ames band Keep and Confess.

“They’re a really good band, and it should be an excellent show,” Rohlf says.

“Everyone should come out and watch. And, oh yeah, vote for Atombender.”