Campus bands explode with diverse brands of modern rock

Well-amped local bands took to the stage and rocked the 'Sco like it was 1989

It was another installment of Campus Band Night at the 'Sco this past Wednesday. The concert highlighted the diversity of the musical interests of Oberlin students, featuring three bands with strikingly different sounds from the acts featured at the last Campus Band Night. Unfortunately, only a select few were there to witness the madness, as rock and roll unfortunately couldn't draw enough people away from surfing the web and watching the WB on a Wednesday night in Oberlin. But despite the lackluster attendance, the crowd was rowdy, the bands were gnarly and the beer flowed like wine.

The show opened with the Plastic Bags, a band which performs an original combination of pop-punk and Wire/Gang of Four no-wave. This was the band's first show and it was clear that they had ample practice time. The Plastic Bags may not be the most technically astounding band, but they made up for it with well-written, tasteful songs, a solid performance and senior Jeannie Kwon's rockin' bass licks. For a first-time band they also showed no signs of nervousness, a true sign of born rock stars. Aside from the performance of Kwon on the bass, senior Peter Olsen on drums and junior Nick Stillman on guitar and vocals were not only solid but delivered in the true spirit of the punk rock roots from which they come. Hopefully now that they've played their first show, the Plastic Bags will continue to rock our little campus, which has seen far too little true punk in recent years.

Following the Plastic Bags was Grave Dancer's Union, a Soul Asylum cover band. Say what you will about Soul Asylum, but this all-star quartet put on one of the best shows this campus has ever seen. Considering that Grave Dancer's Union had minimal practice, they gave new meaning to roots rock, playing three of the big hits: "Someone to Shove," "Black Gold" and "Runaway Train," during which, just for a moment, senior Jesse Woghin actually metamorphosed into Dave Pirner. People were surprisingly able to put down their defenses and enjoy the music, not for the humor of a Soul Asylum cover band, but for the fact that the songs were actually good and were played with an intensity that would have inspired even Stephen Meritt of the Magnetic Fields. Not willing to let their lack of repertoire hinder them, Grave Dancer's Union finished their set up with a reprise of "Someone to Shove" which was even bigger than the first time. Thank goodness for hard workers.

Finally, self-defined strength rockers Flitch took the stage to bring the Oberlin taboo sound of metal to the 'Sco. While Flitch played some of the most hideous guitars ever built through amps big enough for a European stadium tour, they must be given credit, as they were not shy about playing a genre of music which will probably never be considered cool at Oberlin College. Their sound was a cross between new Metallica and old Metallica, with a little bit of Metallica playing Europe's "Final Countdown" thrown in for that distinctive keyboard sound. Junior Daniel Rony's guitar work was inspired and his only competition in the shredding department is Vendetta's lead guitar player, and senior Matt Winstanley heroically played every drum on his 10 piece drum set. Overall, Flitch was a good blend of excellent technical ability and lots of rehearsal, so if you like metal, Hollywood Hulk Hogan and (did I mention) Metallica, check these guys out.

This show was easily the best Campus Band Night since the glory days of the Vegan Eaters three years ago. The small crowd was satisfied and interestingly, most people stayed for all three bands, an uncommon trend these days, especially considering the variety of music. Hopefully there will be more events like this one next semester and, with luck, attendance will increase as people realize the necessity of supporting the local music scene.

Help Wynona! Grave Dancer's Union, a Soul Asylum cover band, took the 'Sco for a runaway train ride Wednesday. (photo by Heidi Johansen)