After School Special

contributor: Ed Thanhouser, Feb. 2nd, 2010

Live photo by: Chris Burdick

Battle of the Bands was something I never experienced in high school. For whatever reason, my school just didn’t do one. Over the years I’ve wrestled with the idea of whether this was something I should be thankful or resentful for, and still wasn’t sure. As such, I had mixed feeling about going to my first ever, put on by a student-run organization, Music In the Schools, at Backspace last Friday. One thing that became abundantly clear as the night progressed: this isn’t just any bunch of high school kids playing their favorite Staind cover. These kids had chops…crazy chops! I didn’t see a single mediocre player throughout the course of the night… that is, I mean if you don’t count Wampire (j/kLOLZ!!!1!). But seriously, with great, all-original compositions to boot, several of these groups would put a lot of full-grown local bands to shame. I was even a little shamed myself to be painfully aware that I was nowhere near this organized, or well practiced, in my own high school band.

I was really impressed by the mature melodic sensibilities of The Swifts, who although visibly nervous, pulled through their set with the kind of spastic, lovable energy that was immediately endearing. Musically, I was blown away by Stimulus Package, whose raw riffage and perfect drum chops were the most impressive of the night. The Backyard Blues Boys wore matching suits and sunglasses… shticky, I know, but forgivable, as they pulled off the musical part of the act impeccably and with style. As the evening wore on however, the crowd began to thin without even waiting for the results. Why? Weren’t they dying to know the winning band? How could they leave just at the moment of deliberation, the moment of truth?! Maybe it was Wampire (zing!)… or maybe, just maybe, we all learned a little something that night. Maybe it’s not about who “wins” or who “loses.” …I know I sure can’t tell you, cause I left before the judges announced the result… but maybe it’s about heart <3. And in that category, well, shucks… I guess all these bands are winners!