“Critical Mouse” was originally one of the many names of  the Indie rock trio of Scott McElvein, Nancy G., and B. Simkins that played Norfolk and Virginia Beach clubs in the late 90’s.  As the Millennium rolled around the group disbanded and parted ways.

Then, in 2006, a chance meeting occurred between Matt Wittman and Scott McElvein at a Christmas party being held at the home of Russell Scarborough, one of Norfolk’s preeminent Jazz percussionists.  Talking about music and getting the chance to jam a little bit, late at night and under the influence, they both agreed to get together after the New Year.

Sessions began in 2007 and soon Ben Brant, a friend of Matt's,  joined on Bass Guitar  to complete the line-up - A classic Punk/Pop Power Trio.  Throughout 2007 and 2008 - Critical Mouse practiced, jammed and arranged songs, working through a batch of Scott’s originals, selecting the best and breathing new life and energy into them.

Critical Mouse made its triumphant return to the Taphouse in Ghent on June 21st 2008,  headlining its debut show with Little Trooper and One Eyed Stanley from Newton Center, MA.  Critical Mouse has been gigging ever since, playing it’s own style of original music with the likes of Collyn Coates, Johnny Utah, Churn, The Tipping Point, Warm(No Reverse) and Dirty Toys at local venues such as The Taphouse in Ghent, Tanner’s Creek, and others. 

Critical Mouse now has a set of 16 original songs and is continually working on new material and recording rough demos at their small home studio in Norfolk, VA.  Plans are in the works to book studio time at a professional recording studio in 2009 and record an EP.  Critical Mouse promises to keep rockin' and bringing their unique brand of garage-pop to clubs throughout Tidewater and beyond.  

Ben

(Bass Guitar and Vocals)

Ben is originally from Reno, Nevada where he played guitar for the band Naked Tuesday.  In 2003 Ben traded his guitar for a bass, shaved his Afro into a Mohawk and  traveled cross-country 4 days from Reno to Norfolk, Virginia in his El Camino to seek his fortune.   Ben now lays down the melodic bottom for Critical Mouse as well as contributing backing vocals.  Influenced by Indie Rock, Old Punk, Ska and all the Billy’s.  (Rock-a-Billy, Punk-a-Billy, Psych-a-Billy...)  Even though Ben is a Chef at one of Norfolk’s premier tapas bars, he enjoys the simple pleasures in life, PBR and a shot of Jameson.

Matt

(Drums)

An Army Brat, raised in a town of Navy Brats,  Matt Wittman is a Force to be reckoned with!  Growing up in Chesapeake, VA.  Matt is one of the best up and coming drummers of the Tidewater area.  Playing barefoot, Matt lays down the explosive backbeat that brings the Critical Mouse sound together!  Influenced by Indie Rock, Pop and Alternative music, and by drummers such as Chad Sexton, Stewart Copeland and Dave Grohl – Matt has contributed his talents to several local area bands, and is involved in teaching the youths of today to rock tomorrow.

Scott

(Guitar and Vocals)

The Singer-Songwriter whose original works form the basis for what has become the Critical Mouse sound!  Originally growing up near Boston, MA.  Scott taught himself to play the guitar after moving to Virginia in 1985.  Influenced by David Bowie, Bob Dylan, Husker Du and countless obscure Indie and Underground Bands from the 80’s and 90’s, Scott has played the Tidewater area as a solo artist, as well as playing in several local bands.  Scott sings and plays both rhythm and lead guitar on his Silver Jet, a style somewhere between 70’s Glam Rock, Punk, and Folk.