MIA Local Legends: Pan Tourismos
Posted by: steve | From: May 22, 2004
Officially my favorite Portland band in the year 2001, the only year they existed (publicly), Pan Tourismos is quite an enigma. They seemed to be developing a really solid following of friends and fans at their very energetic live shows, but then it seemed as if they just dissapeared. What's the big deal, right? This happens every year in every town, right? It's just that these dudes were so good. I have consistently listened to their CD all this time (I know 3 years doesn't seem that impressive, but it really is). Brandon Clemmens (guitar/singer/songwriter) is easily one of my favorite guitar players of all time playing line after line of intricate guitar melodies that work so well with his sing/talk/rap style of delivering vocals. Clemmens' lyrics were filled with so much youthfulness but a very thoughtful youthfulness, not immature, but exuberant. The bass and drum duties were performed by brothers Demetri and George Kassapakis and like all good legends they were so tight it seemed like their DNA held them together. Somehow this all combined to make punk music that was always changing, always interesting, and always exciting. Informed by The Minutemen and Bruce Springsteen, Pan Tourismos also seemed to have a little bit of jam band in them, maybe it was just how good they were at their instruments or maybe it seemed like their parts could (but never did) jaunt off to wankery. An amazing band to watch play live, all three members seemed to be smiling their way through the entire set.
Taxing the internet's deepest resources I found out that 2 of Pan Tourismos' 3 went on to perform as the Psychological Thrillers in 2002, and that Brandon Clemmens also made some recordings under the name The Inconvincible, but nothing since 2002. And then, I met the main dude, Brandon, at this house party where my friend was playing a month or so ago. I told him how much I liked his band and inquired as to if he was still making music. He didn't have much to say about making music, but took kindly to some compliments. It turns out that amazing bassist Demetri is playing now in this great little band John Weatherproof adding his bass virtuoso to some awesome simple pop songs from two cool dudes named Brian. And then, while doing a little research for this little piece I ran across this(check out the May 26th). Could it be true?? Could The Greatest Band Of All Time really be returning? I will find out Wednesday. Here's to hoping.
no. i think they only did cdrs themselves. maybe someone made a real version. i could send you a cdr. solid.
Posted by: Steve Schroeder at May 23, 2004 1:56 AM
So, by the time I check the Berbati's calendar... in August... yeah...
Was there a Pan Tourismos reunion after all?!
They were the best band in Portland, post 2000 up ‘til now. No question about it. Brandon's songwriting is/was so heads-and-shoulders above the rest of what the city had to offer that few even "got it" before it was too late.
That's the trouble with being a really good musician - only your friends, fellow musicians, and - eventually - posterity remember you.
Mr. Clemmens was one hell of a house painter, too. FYI.
George and Demetri are dumbfoundingly talented musicians who I *still* wish I could play as well as. How did George learn to use his hi-hat like that? And how did Demetri acquire such a graceful style?
Pan Tourismos recorded a whole second album's worth of material. Not available from any outlet other than Brandon's or the Kassapakis brothers' closets, I suppose.
Ask them – maybe they’ll hook you up. Don’t tell them I sent you.
SALT ROCK LIVES.
Posted by: anon. at August 13, 2004 9:43 PM
Brandon Clemmens did a show on halloween 2002 with Glen Porter playing drums, they did misfits covers. I live in Chicago I knew Glen when he played here with the alkaline trio (and also did a misfits halloween cover show). He also used to work at the messenger service I work at(On Time). I've been looking everywhere online to get a hold of him, this is as close as I've come. Does anyone have an e-mail address for Brandon Clemmens? If so it'd be awesome if someone can e-mail that to me. Then maybe I can e-mail him and he may have a phone number or e-mail for Glen. this is a longshot but it's worth a shot. thanks
-sean
Posted by: sean at August 18, 2004 5:57 PM
Hey ladies --- is anyone gonna see this, a year later?
Ya KNOW I'm in a band with Brandon Clemmens; and I'm one of the above mentioned Brians; and I coined "SALTROCK". In fact, both Brians are in the band with Clemmens, now. We're called PPS [Portland Public Schools], resurrecting the greatest in early '90s Portland underground rock. We'll be playing supersoon. Brandons email is theinconvincible@hotmail.com. Yes, he's still ripping shit up, on mics and guitars and basses.
Posted by: Brian Schoeck at April 22, 2005 11:33 PM
Pan Tourismos will be playing a show at the Towne Lounge on September 20th 2005 w/ Ghost Money and Guest. Here in beautiful Portland, OR.
Posted by: j at September 13, 2005 10:34 AM
Brandon D. Clemmens and Brian Schoeck have been legit all-stars ever since I can remember (not much before or after 12 years old). Glad to hear they're still ROCKERS!!!! Peace from Hawaii....
Posted by: ari at November 8, 2005 3:11 PM
Playing Feb.3rd, 2006 - Towne Lounge - with Ghost Money & minethirtyseven
Posted by: Mat at December 22, 2005 11:50 AM
is there any way you can dub me the cdr? i've been searching forever for one and just staggered across your site tonight.
you will be my hero
Posted by: anthony at July 10, 2007 12:21 AM
They're playing this Thursday (October 4) at Mississippi Studios in Portland.
Posted by: Darnell at October 2, 2007 8:00 AM
if anyone out there has access to any of their recordings, please please please let me know how i can get a copy. the music is way too good to let it get lost. my email is jovah12@hotmail.com
Posted by: jovie at December 23, 2007 6:42 PM
if anyone out there has access to any of their recordings, please please please let me know how i can get a copy. the music is way too good to let it get lost. my email is jovah12@hotmail.com
Posted by: jovie at December 23, 2007 6:44 PM
if anyone out there has access to any of their recordings, please please please let me know how i can get a copy. the music is way too good to let it get lost. my email is jovah12@hotmail.com
Posted by: jovie at December 23, 2007 6:46 PM
Post a comment:
man this is great. is there anyplace to get an album by these dudes ?
Posted by: jared at May 23, 2004 12:42 AM