Loma Prieta, who formed in 2005, have a sound that is difficult to describe.  It is clear the band are cut from the same cloth as other Bay Area hardcore bands – Mohinder, Funeral Diner, Indian Summer – but the band also have developed a distinctive voice that is entirely their own.  For IV, the band’s Deathwish Inc. debut, Loma Prieta tracked 12 intense and enothional songs that ebb and flow unpredictably and powerfully.  It is no surprise that the album has been described as “melancholy chaos.” 
Ghettoblaster caught up with Oakland, California’s Loma Prieta Sean Leary and Jake Spek to talk about their home, and Too $hort’s vitamin buying habits.  Here’s what those dudes told us…
What’s your town’s nickname?
Oaktown, more specifically West Oakland AKA the Lower Bottoms.
What’s your nickname for your town?
Smoketown.
Why do you live there?
Compared to San Francisco, there is a stronger DIY music scene. 
Did you grow up there? If not, what brought you there?
I moved to Oakland about a year ago because I was tired of living in an apartment in San Francisco. In Oakland I have more space to be creative and make art.
What’s the weirdest thing that has ever happened to you there?
While I was working at Whole Foods, Too $hort came in to buy vitamins.
What is your favorite local attraction (monument, park, etc)?
Mosswood Park, Mountain View Cemetery, The Docks, and way too many to mention. 
What is your favorite local event or festival?
Folsom Street Fair.
What is the best time of year to be there?
Compared to everywhere else it is really nice in October and February. 
Who is your favorite local celebrity?
Mac Dre, Too $hort, and Matt Pike. 
Where is the best place to drink and what’s their specialty or happy hour?
Beer Revolution, they have 500 kinds of beer and close at 10pm. 
Who has the best jukebox (and what’s in it)?
Eli’s Mile High Club, they have raging thrash metal and old punk jams.
Do you play music there? If so, where is your favorite place to play?
924 Gilman Street. They have the craziest trick-shot basketball court and we challenge any other band to a game of horse before a show. 
Does where you live influence your music?
No.
What is your favorite place to see live music and what was your favorite show there?
Great American Music Hall is an amazing venue. Favorite show there would be either Godspeed or Slint.
What is your favorite local band?
Currently, Wild Moth or Stressors.
What is your favorite diner or restaurant and what is their best dish?
Vegan nacho fries from Saturn. 
What is your favorite record store and what was your best find there?
Amoeba in Berkeley. Found the Nirvana / Jesus Lizard split 7 inch for $.50 in the dollar bin.
What is your favorite local publication (alternative weekly, zine, website or blog)?
SF Bay Guardian. It’s awesome and free and they have have a sex advice column in the back that is always just pure freaky shit.
What is your favorite local shop?
Real Guitar in San Francisco.
If you could live anywhere else, where would that be?
Braddock, PA.