Local residents become punk rockers

Mat Parlato, top; Dylan Lesser, middle; and Derek Boyle, bottom; make up the local punk band Acid Boy.

Courtesy Dylan Lesser

Acid Boy, a local band that includes Mat Parlato, left, on drums; Dylan Lesser, on lead guitar; and Derek Boyle, on bass, played for the first time in March.

Courtesy Dylan Lesser

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When Franklin Square residents Dylan Lesser, 16, and Derek Boyle, 18, and East Rockaway resident Mat Parlato, 17, met in 2010, their friendship developed quickly. The three men completely clicked — they were around the same age, had grown up in the same general area and, most importantly, shared an adoration for punk rock music.

Boyle and Lesser first met the summer of 2010, at the annual St. Catherine Of Sienna street fair, bonding over their musical interests. At that time, Lesser had been playing guitar and singing in a punk band, Acid Boy, for a few weeks with another friend, and they were in need of a bass player. Boyle was the answer to their prayers — not only could he play the bass, he was experienced.

Only a few months later, Lesser met Parlato through a mutual friend.

“Mat and I both loved old Green Day music, and we talked about guitarists that inspired us all day,” Lesser remembered. When Lesser’s original bandmate — and drummer — decided to leave the group and play for another band, Sub Zero, Parlato came to the rescue. He could play, and he knew how to drum to an up-tempo, punk rock beat. In late 2010, Lesser, Parlato and Boyle re-formed Acid Boy, a three-part band with a multi-genre punk-rock sound.

“We incorporate all aspects of punk into our songs,” Lesser explained, regarding Acid Boy’s style. “I am more into the hardcore type of punk such as the Circle Jerks, The Germs, Operation Ivy and Minor Threat; Mat is more into pop-punk bands like Green Day, Good Charolette, Simple Plan and Sum 41; and Derek just enjoys all types of punk so we try to incorporate all of our interests.”

Lesser is the band’s lead singer, with Parlato and Boyle sharing back-up vocals on recordings. During live performances, only Boyle is on backing vocals. A few months ago, the group recorded its first demo CD, “Sleeping With Yourself,” which includes singles “Someone”, “Hope You’re Happy Now” and “Never Thought.”
In March, they performed their first show, at Sinclair’s Pub in West Babylon. Nearly 50 people attended to show their support.