Houston Calls

by Corey Apar
New Jersey's Houston Calls officially appeared on the pop-punk scene in August 2005 with their full-length debut, A Collection of Short Stories. Comprised of ex-Face First members vocalist/guitarist Tom "Chitty" Keiger, bassist Jarrett Seltzer, and keyboardist/vocalist Okie Okamoto, the group also included guitarist Kenny Ryan (ex-Hidden in Plain View) and drummer Josh Grigsby (ex-Riding Bikes, who replaced original skinsman Tommy Clayton). Their bright and sunny album was released on Rushmore, an imprint of Drive-Thru Records. Tour dates in support of the record were played through the end of the year with bands like Fenix TX, Socratic, Hellogoodbye, and the Rocket Summer. Almost nonstop touring continued throughout 2006. Late that year, Ryan left the band and was replaced on guitar by Jose Lopez.