Since then, Axia’s star has been on the rise as they’ve evolved and gone through various incarnations, while never losing their original passion, drive and substance. They’ve released a self-titled EP, toured the state of California non-stop and shared the stage with world-class artists including Ted Nugent, the Drowning Pool, Filter, L.A. Guns, Nonpoint, the Bullet Boys, Devon Allman’s Honeytribe and People in Planes.

The Axia: left to right, Ian Forbes, Dusty Rhoads, Steve Gourley and Chad Land

I caught Axia’s current line-up last Friday night, made up of original members Chad Land (vocals and guitars) and Dusty Rhoads (drums), with new infusions Steve Gourley (bass and backing vocals) and Ian Forbes (keys). I was, as always, nothing short of taken by this band’s music, which continues not only to reach me, but to keep me smiling and on the edge of my bar stool. This band is going places, and although I’m sure they’ll always call the Central Coast home, don’t take for granted that you’ll be able to catch them at your neighborhood pub on a Friday night much longer. Appreciate them, show them your support and get out to see them every chance you get.

If you can’t get enough of Axia (and who can?), visit the band’s website at www.reverbnation.com/theaxia, where you can listen to more of their music, get show information, sign up for the band’s mailing list and find links to the band’s presence on social networking sites including MySpace, Facebook and Twitter.

FOOTNOTE: I was so hooked after first experiencing Axia, in fact, that I wrote my first rock music review, so it is only fitting that they are the Central Coast Musicians’ Exchange’s first ever Featured Artist. That first effort was as gushing as you’d expect a first-time reviewer aka fanatic’s writing to be. I’m a little embarrassed reading it now, three years later, but in the interests of journalism and full disclosure, I’m biting the bullet and sharing it here. ;)    Kiss My Axia.