By Dylan Bradley/ne news editor

Black slacks, white starched shirts, suspenders and fedoras are not the typical rock star uniform, but the band Sharpy is not a typical rock band.

Formed last November, Sharpy mixes blues and political lyrics with a Rat Pack-era style that sets it apart in the college music scene.

NE student David Welty, aka Ringo Cannoli, plays guitar, Jose “Choe” Escobar plays bass, Chris Perez, aka Floyd Mugsy Giovanni is on vocals and Jeffrey “Cathulu” Friedman plays drums.

The band draws inspiration for its music from artists like Elvis Presley, Type O Negative and Arcade Fire. It manages to blend radically different styles and sounds into a cohesive and unique show.

The band’s music has strong guitar riffs, unique use of vocals and lyrics and a consistent, strong background of drum and bass.

Perez decided to pursue being a musician after leaving the Navy.

“I tried doing other jobs, doing the military,” he said. “I tried even being a professional cook, and it’s just not what makes me happy.”

Escobar thinks Sharpy is unique in the messages the band conveys.

In a previous show, band members wore masks of presidents while they played one of their politically driven songs, “Whatever Helps You Sleep at Night.”

“I believe that without passion, and if you’re going to talk about things that are too cookie-cutter and mundane, then your music is going to reflect,” he said.

Welty said he has been in multiple bands in the past and is excited to be part of Sharpy because of how serious the other members are.

“It’s what I love doing. It’s what I’m best at,” he said. “I think the measure of a person’s worth is based on what they can do for other people, what they can provide other people. This is what we can provide.”

Sharpy will play at midnight April 25 at The Cellar in Fort Worth and has been confirmed for the Dallas Music Festival in late May. Their first EP will be available by the end of May.

For more information, go to Sharpy’s Facebook page at facebook.com/sharpy.rawks.