The Indianola Store features a short stack of CDs on its deli case along with a sign that reads “Meet Blood Pump, an instrumental band composed of North Kitsap high schoolers, combining heavy rifts with complex melodies. Blood Pump does its best to push the boundaries of rock music while keeping a classic touch. Written, recorded, mixed and designed locally.”

I was in Indianola to meet with three of the four band members on recommendation of two past FAB featured artists — Christie Fitch (October) and Emma Walker (November), both musicians and actors. This was unique in the history of FAB-featured artists but, with school out, it seemed right to run with the raves of Fitch and Walker.

Guitarist Phil Maupin of Kingston, bassist Will McDonald of Suquamish, and guitarist Jesse Nichols of Indianola had no trouble overwhelming me with their passion for music. Drummer Duncan Broach, a high school senior from Kingston, was not present.

Maupin, McDonald and Nichols are 2013 graduates and have played together for seven years, since the Options program at Gordon.

Their CD, “A Year Without a Summer,” was recorded last winter and released in May by Joonior Studios in Port Orchard.

“The album is a big step forward for us, way beyond what we have done before” McDonald said.

“Our ultimate goal is to make the music we would love to hear,” Nichols added.

They are inspired by a broad spectrum of music, from metal to acoustic — including Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin and Pantera. Spending lots of time composing, valuing every note as they weave it together, they perfect every sound. The “writing” process starts with thinking of a song, playing it, recording it on a phone, then everyone weaving into it.

“It is not necessary to write it down,” Nichols said.

“The focus of the music is the music itself,” McDonald added.

“We sing with our guitars,” Maupin said.

They usually are an instrumental band, but not at prom. Fitch joined them.

Blood Pump jumped through hoops to play at the KHS prom. “It was part of a class project to get seniors to buy prom tickets,” Fitch said. “The first time I practiced with them, it was a blast.”

She continued, “Prom night was a night to remember and everyone loved our performance. I’ve never met more passionate and talented musicians. All four are super chill.”

After difficult negotiations they exceeded everyone’s expectations. “It was a really great triumph,” Maupin said with a grin. “Even the principal enjoyed it.”

Blood Pump, you wonder? Nichols’ story starts with his love for making videos and his interest in special effects, which led him to making fake injuries that squirted fake blood using a blood pump. The illusion doesn’t quite fit the cordial and talented trio who were sharing their enthusiasm with me.

Walker wrote to me in November how great it is that students at KHS who are musicians can follow their passion and succeed.

“The very active guitar and healthy drumming communities in the area and a healthy dose of individual study are responsible for the thriving bunch of rock bands here,” she wrote.

“Blood Pump’s devotion to music is indicative of the community’s support for the arts.”

(Speaking of — remember, dear reader, to voice your support for funding the arts, to the NKSD School Board. Elect the pro Arts Director.)