BIO: Tired of the local punk scene that they had been veterans of for over a decade, Andy Maggio and TJ Devo team up with singer/songwriter and recent New Orleans transplant Frankie Ostello. The result is a completely new sound, a blend of each musicians' unique style, that is already building its own following of fans eager for something different.

"Characterized by its driving rhythms, fractured New/No Wave melodies and the endearingly manic-panicked vocals of guitarist, songwriter and New Orleans transplant Frankie Ostello, the five-song EP "Uniforms" stands as a remarkably impressive debut for a self-recorded D.I.Y. release. The group just played a handful of record release parties, but hopefully it will be posting some new dates soon on its Web site, www.centralstandard.info, which also offers free MP3 downloads of instantly infectious songs such as "Ruiner" and "Heart of Chicago."

- Jim DeRogatis, Chicago SunTimes

"Based on this three-song sampler, Frankie Ostello's expressive voice is perhaps Central Standard's most compelling attribute. It wails across "All Alone," emotively wavers through "To Whom It May Concern," and alternates between introspection and insistency on "Bells Of August." United with the band's compelling bass-and-drum-driven, blues-infused punk approach, it's clearly a winning combination."

- Jeff Berkwits, Illinois Entertainer

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