A Poor Substitute began their musical journey at the turn of the century...
Original members included Mike Neergaard -- guitar and vocals, Inaiah Lujan - Bass and Lead Vocals and Nick Emery - drums. Formally known as The All American Rejects, A Poor Substitute made their recording debut with the 2000 release of "The White Album" offering 10 tracks of melodic sing-along punk anthems. Songs about teen-angst, rebellion and relationships, "The White Album" foreshadowed the shape of punk to come.
On their sophomore release "The Black Album" released in the fall of 2001, they brought forth a new addition to the band, bassist Rory Friedenberger, (Nick Emery's Brother) adding a forth and much needed element to the group. Recorded by Don Richmond at Howlin' Dog Studios, "The Black Album" proved A Poor Substitute was not limited in there musical abilities nor were they afraid to speak what was on their mind. This album walks the line between many genres of music, including elements of ska, hardcore, and experimental instrumental rock. Songs about growing up, falling down, losing friends, and disagreements with the current religious, school, and political systems.
A Poor Substitute was never afraid to push the envelope, and often proved that by doing things on there own terms. But nothing could prepare people for what was to come... With the release of 2002's "Permanent Discomfort", all bets were off. (A Poor Substitute returned to Howlin' Dog Studios, and producer Don Richmond). Musically, physically and emotionally this album broke boundaries in every aspect. The over-all theme was very angry and frustrated with life, and what it had to offer. But realizing there is always hope, and light at the end of the tunnel is the true message and theme twisted in metaphor. 17 tracks of pain and frustration, hope and doubt, discomfort and fear, frustrations with pop culture, suicide, self destruction and self realization. "Permanent Discomfort" symbolized, death and rebirth, an end, followed by a new beginning.
Following "Permanent Discomfort" came many struggles as a band and as people, lead singer and guitarist Inaiah Lujan was diagnosed with ulcerative Colitis in April of 2002, and fought it for over a year before being hospitalized in Arizona unable to walk or eat. This eventually led to three major surgeries and the ultimate battle between ones life and death. While hospitalized Inaiah felt he still had much to say, and although in a weak and critical state, began Writing songs of letting go, having faith in something greater, and celebrating a greater sense of self. These songs led to the full recovery and A Poor Substitutes fourth release "The Battle Between Good and Ego." The Battle Between Good and Ego was released in the summer of 2004, and recorded by The Nobody's JJ Nobody in Colorado Springs CO.
In 2005 A Poor Substitute returned to Don Richmond at Howlin' Dog Studios to begin work on the 6 song EP titled Derailed. This was the last studio album with guitarist, Mike Neergaard. Derailed is a train themed conceptual story, it is a seamless album, and the culmination of 5 years of perfecting their signature sound. Instead of tracks there are movements or chapters if you will, all based around an inevitable crash or derailment unless we choose to change our ways. Song's of mental illness, convenience through consumerism, and climbing out of the depths of hell. Don Richmond graced this album with his amazing musical abilities in the form of viola for the title track.
The last few years following Derailed came more and more struggles as a band. Inaiah's continued battle with his health and recent endeavors in other musical projects made A Poor Substitute shows rare, few and far between. A short lived reunion with ex-guitarist Mike Neergaard and even a summer tour proved to be too little too late. But it was no doubt in anybodies mind that the magic was still there when they performed their last few shows for their now loyal Pueblo fan base. Song's that had become staples of A Poor Substitute's live show from 2006-2009 eventually found a home on what would be their last studio album "Parallel." Written, recorded and produced by themselves, Parallel would mark the end of their 10 year run as a band. All the pain and frustration of growing up and apart from one another bleeds through on each track and begs the question "which am I the dreamer or the dream?" on the album's closing track, "Far From Here." A Poor Substitute may have never garnered critical acclaim or national success, but they made their mark in the steel city punk rock scene amongst their peers of Pueblo CO and will be remembered by some until the end of time.
