"20WT Delivers the Meat and Potatoes", Shari Leser, FSView & Florida Flambeau:

After returning home from a seven-hour Key Largo to Jacksonville trip, the power trio is worn out. Even though the cross-state journey should equate to at least eight hours cruising north up Florida's turnpike, the boys of 20WT like to live a bit on the edge.

"We were just on the road with Brooks and Dunne," bassist J. Hooks said. "As we were driving home to Jacksonville, their tour bus passed us. We waved, but I don't think they saw us."

By maintaining its down-to-earth demeanor and warped sense of humor, the metal-reggae-ska three-piece has stood the test of time, with seven years as a band.

"As we continue to mature, our music grows with us," Hooks said. "The music just keeps on getting better, as does the writing."

Forming in Key Largo, Hooks and vocalist/guitarist Ryan Wilson started playing reggae music together, fueled by the tropical, relaxing environment the small community provided.

"As we started playing reggae around the Keys, we still listened to hard music," Hooks said. "Then, when we moved up to Jacksonville, we molded the hard rock with reggae."

Following a plethora of diverse drummers, 20WT stumbled upon its present man, Dave Kelly, who is the trio's third left-handed drummer named Dave.

"(Kelly) brings such a heavy influence into younger ska music and has grown with us," Hooks said. "Both (Wilson) and I grew up together and played together for so long that we have a pseudo-ESP on stage. (Kelly) seems to have connected on the same level for the four months he has played with us."

With the profound correlation between the three individuals, it becomes important that its writing reflect the "ESP" that is shared.

"(Wilson) will come up with a guitar riff, and I will pick it up and let the creative process go, incorporating all the different styles," Hooks said. "Then we will try it out live and see how people feel it."

As its music develops, 20WT has seen a proficient shift from its first album to its third. "Our first album focused on reggae roots, and our second album transitioned to rock with a garble of sounds. With the third, Out My Window, we like to consider it our first album because it really represents the essence of 20WT," Hooks said.

While in the process of writing new material, lyrically the songs tend to be socially focused. With strong lyrics and a goal in mind, the trio hopes to elude the energy that makes them a live band onto the record.

"(Wilson) is always very poignant with the lyrics and has no fears about hurting feelings, because the truth does hurt," Hooks said. "But our goal for our socially-driven music is to get the representation from our live shows to the record. With a live band, you get your meat and potatoes."

With the best response to its music by playing for the youth, 20WT plays in Tallahassee at least once a month.

"Tallahassee is such a fun place. (Wilson) and I used to live there. It's such a great scene. You know that, on a weekend, there are at least 10,000 people out and living life," Hooks said.

After making the short drive to Tallahassee for its headlining show at Big Daddy's Feb. 8, its show was canceled due to the "Ocalafield" plane crash.

For 20WT's next show with headliners That 30/60, the trio hopes that nothing will stand in the way for the show on the first of March.

"We're hoping that March 1 will be a no-fly zone so we can have a great time in Tallahassee for an incredible show featuring That 30/60, Wait For Green and Sidewalk Fiction," Hooks said. "With cheap drinks and beautiful Tallahassee women, how can you not have a great time?"