Since he was a child, lead singer and guitarist Michael Meyer was captivated by the 1960’s garage rock and psychedelic compilations his father made on reel-to-reel tape while serving with the U.S. Army during Vietnam. Michael dreamed of forming an organ-based, R&B-rooted band with aggressive vocals like The Pretty Things or The Remains. Then, in 2012, he answered a musician’s wanted ad by Nate McGuire, a talented guitarist with skill beyond his age. The two then met 60’s music buff and jazz-trained organist Aaron Robertson who introduced them to the heavier side of the 60’s with bands like Blue Cheer and Deep Purple. The band soon procured heavy bass player, Nick Sampson, and hard-hitting drummer, Justin DeRusha. Together they formed Narco States. The five talented members of Narco States began writing catchy organ-heavy fuzz- and surf- infused songs with frenetic vocals. The band was a hit with fans and soon thereafter, was signed by PINATA RECORDS to release a limited edition 7” record. The songs were played on local radio stations Radio K (770AM), KFAI (90.3FM and 106.7FM), and The Current (89.3FM) and it was not long before the 7” was sold out and had to be re-pressed. Narco States has played numerous shows in clubs across the Twin Cities metro area and in the summer of 2013, they went on a Midwest tour. Their goal from the start has been to put on the most energetic live show they can, playing their original songs reminiscent of the 60’s. Reviews: “Narco States’ new EP is totally unhinged and a gem for all those Nuggets lovers out there, especially the editions that embraced the dirtier side of things. The self-titled EP manages to evoke loooo-fi punk (think early Ty Segall before he got famous), surf, psychedelia and good ol’ fashioned rock ‘n roll. It sounds totally live although only one track was indeed recorded that way at the Hexagon. The songs speed all over the place, crash against walls, get up again and change into a totally different entity. These guys are pros, ‘nough said.” —Jon Schober, MPR’s Local Current Blog “Narco States own a particular, gritty sound that rests somewhere between the Stones and the Cramps. And with lead singer/guitarist Michael Meyer howling at full tilt and organist Aaron Robertson banging away, it’s clear this is not a self-consciously nostalgic sound; this is a serious garage rock band looking to make loud, fun, creepy music that’s also gently controlled and dynamic—something that can’t always be said for their contemporaries.” —Cokemachineglow “The organ: the most underrated instrument in rock’s relatively short history. Narco States, a Minneapolis ensemble, who are distantly related to the pseudo-psychedelic counterculture of yesteryear, have realized this too; which is why their garage-surf-meets-sunshine-pop mash-up, is a fun-filled trip down memory lane.” —Chybucca Sounds