Sound Bytes with Molar Marathon

Punk is here to stay according to the band Weymouth. The band began in 2020 and has evolved to its current four members: Dustin Burrell (guitar), JP D’Argenio (drummer), José Gonzalez (guitar) and Zane Walsh (vocalist) all who are eager to grow as musicians. 

This local band’s sound is on the heavier side when compared to the main local music scene but it doesn’t quite fit any one genre thanks to the collaborative creation process. Band member Dustin Burrell would describe it as Alt/rock or indie punk. 

“We all draw individually from different things, which is what makes it so weird,” says JP D’Argenio.

While they don’t play as many Moore County shows, they venture anywhere from Wilmington to Asheville, typically playing more intimate venues. Next year they plan to venture more outside of North and South Carolina. 

“My goal within a show is to be a show. I want you to remember what you just saw. We’re just going haywire,” laughs Burrell. 

The band’s latest song “Molar Marathon” recently released on all streaming platforms. “A molar marathon is a reference to something running their mouth,” says JP, “I think it’s pretty tongue and cheek.” 

One of the band’s favorite lines is “Poseidon talks, but his breath’s rank,” which Burrell says has multiple meanings and connections in addition to being humorous.

Walsh the vocalist and main lyric writer says, “I delved into personal frustrations and struggles for the lyrics, revisiting the roller coaster of what being an artist, performer and musician is all about. The egos, the distresses, the promises, the pressures, the successes, the failures, the friends, the foes…all just to be on stage and run my mouth.”

While only two band members live in Moore County, they typically meet up at least once a week for what they call Weymouth Wednesdays. Whether it’s to practice, record, write or just hang out. Band member Gonzalez owns SpiceHouse, a small recording studio in Sanford where he has helped produce both Weymouth’s music and a variety of other local artists like Scarlett Tantrum and Julia Golden. SpiceHouse is the main Weymouth meetup spot. 

When naming the band Burrell says, “I tried to think of something sentimental.” Each band member has had fond memories there over the years.

Emilee Phillips is a staff writer for The Pilot and The Sway. You can contact her at emilee@thepilot.com or hello@itsthesway.com