Some bands might feel a little melancholy when a founding member decides to make his exit just when things are starting to happen.

Not Lesser Known Saint, however. In the year-and-a-half the band has been together, it has gained a reputation for hard-rocking irreverence local fans can’t get anywhere else.

The band will be performing this weekend at the Bali Satay House, 2924 Lincoln Way, to promote its new CD.

One thing is very apparent with the band members; they don’t take music or life too seriously. Their reasons for why bassist Ronnie Sidharta, graduate student in computer science, is leaving is far from broken-hearted.

“Carson Daly gave him a call one day and said, ‘I want you to be my right-hand man on ‘TRL,’ Ronnie,’ says guitarist Axel Aguado, senior in computer engineering. “Obviously, he could not ignore such an incredible opportunity to sell out.”

The band’s drummer, Sam Wong, has his own reasons as to why Sidharta is leaving the group.

“Ronald is so sweet and morally upright, he was understandably shocked at the staggering amount of debauchery and casual drug use that has permeated every aspect of this band,” says Wong, senior in electrical engineering. “Basically, Ronald had differences with the way we acted as human beings. Goody two-shoes.”

Sidharta laughs and offers the real reasons for why he is leaving.

“It has to do with my wanting to be a computer geek rather than a rock star,” Sidharta says. “I’m a grad student and I have to finish my thesis. I hate to do it, but it’s life.”

Even the type of music the band plays is the subject of much discussion. Each member has his own unique take on the band’s sound, but the “official” answer comes from vocalist Jim Schloemer.

“I don’t think we really fit into one particular genre,” says Schloemer, senior in architecture. “Some people might say we’ve got elements of n-metal and emocore, but we’re just trying to do something original. Heavy grooves mixed with melody, you know? We also play the occasional windmill-inducing tech/sludge breakdown.”

Lead guitarist Mike Britson, senior in journalism and mass communication, better known as Rug, sees things in a decidedly different way.

“I’d say we fit best within the country genre, but we have managed a decent amount of crossover success in the pop genre,” Britson says.

“This is all thanks to our manager Lou Pearlman. He’s sooo dreamy. Faith Hill has also really paved the way for the kind of crossover success we can only dream about.”

However, Sidharta agrees more with Schloemer, but also dishes about some of the perks of being a rocker.

“We play hardcore, but with some melodic/instrumental stuff,” Sidharta says.

“It helped me get ladies after the shows. Oh yeah, Axel gets ladies too, but they’re, like, 14 years old.”

New bassist Brendon Fuhs says he doesn’t have much to add since he has yet to play a gig with Lesser Known Saint. However, Fuhs, junior in music, looks to a jazz great as to why he wants to join the band.

“Louis Armstrong said ‘There is two kinds of music — the good and bad. I play the good kind,'” Fuhs says, quoting the great trumpet player. “So far, I would have to put Lesser Known Saint in the ‘good’ category.”

---

What: Lesser Known Saint CD Release Party

Who: Lesser Known Saint, Only, Casanatra

Where: Bali Satay House, 2924 Lincoln Way

When: 9:30 p.m., Friday

Cost: $5 under 21, $3 21+