Cursor is by all accounts a hard rock band. It began as a writing/recording  project between its members--Steve Sanchez on guitar, Chris Barratachea  on drums, Ruben Sandoval on bass and with the later addition of Doug  Summers on vocals. Originally from the south side of San Antonio, Steve, Ruben and Chris had known each other since the early 90’s during the  peak of alternative/grunge music. Ruben and Steve played in a band  called The Shady Blades, while Chris belonged to the same circle  of musician friends. Fourteen years later, Steve and Chris (who had  remained close friends) along with singer Ruben Gauna were playing in a  cover band called Seven. Unhappy with the band’s direction, in August  2007 Steve contacted Ruben Sandoval in an effort to revive his own  failing interest in rock ‘n roll. Ruben agreed but insisted that the  band devote its efforts to original music.

The four agreed to meet  weekly at a small, non-air-conditioned, 10’x10’ detached room in the backyard of Steve’s mom’s house on the south side but gradually moved practices to Ruben Sandoval’s home studio on Mulberry Ave. During this time, the band recorded its first tune, “He Said, She Said”, a spectacular blend of ZZ-top-style classic rock with a hint of Rush’s progressive metal timing. Still too early to determine its style and  direction, the band ventured into post-grunge territory with “Less Than Zero”. The crashing cymbals amid doubled guitars and plodding bass proved the band could in fact rock. Another tune was also recorded during this same session called “So Easy”. “Denise” would be the last song conceived at the old rehearsal space. As the sessions carried on, Ruben Sandoval began labeling the CD-R  recordings with what would become the band’s moniker “CRSR”, which  originally stood for Chris Ruben Steve Ruben. This naturally evolved  into Cursor.

In order to fully realize rock dreams the band knew it needed a different voice. The band decided to part ways with Ruben Gauna and search for a new singer. Chris was tasked to place an online ad and after several responses and a handful of disappointing auditions, the band paused for a moment with Brian Salmon. Brian was energetic to say the least and had all the makings of a worthy vocalist. During his brief time with the band,”Whiskey Said” was recorded.  Ultimately, Brian did not have the voice the band was looking for and so the search continued.

Around the end of April 2008, after hope  had seemingly faded away, the band was contacted by Doug Summers, a musician who had spent the last 14 years singing and playing rhythm guitar for Austin rock band, The Guest. After listening to some Guest tracks through their myspace, immediately the band’s collective heart lit up. They knew he’d be perfect. Doug, however, wanted to meet the members  personally before committing to an audition. At local watering hole, La Tuna, the four members hit it off. One rehearsal was all it took--Doug  was indeed the missing puzzle piece. Aside from his amazing vocal  ability, his work ethic and perfectionism was just what the band needed.

The first song recorded with Doug, “Denise”, sparkled with emotion and desperation. “Sucka” followed, paying homage to 90s alt-rock with a mainstream appeal. “No Parade, an aggressive, teeth-grinding ode to the unhappiness of  one-sided relationships would follow. “Say You Don’t�” (from Ruben’s  previous solo recordings and also featuring Johnny Hernandez of SUN-DAY, Fin del Mar on drums) captured the raw yearning  for destructive love/lust. “All Night Long”, a rock lullaby, was an  exercise in expedience--written and recorded in one practice session. And finally the band’s latest, “Hollywood Shuffle”, a harsh reality check on the empty promise of fame and fortune.

A collection of these demos was released at their first show on June 19, 2009 on a disc entitled “The Mulberry Demonstrations”. Cursor shows are few and far between so catch them when you can. The  band continues to write/record and will soon focus on recording its official debut. In the meantime, enjoy the music of musicians enjoying music; enjoy Cursor!

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