Posted on November 1, 2007
Murphy’s Kids is a difficult band to define. Their music blends ska, punk and reggae themes with socially conscious lyrics and energy, both heard through the speakers and seen on the stage. However, when asked to define the group with one word, guitarist and vocalist Reid Attaway defined the band succinctly. Murphy’s Kids is “fun.”
The show was organized by the local non-profit concert production company Blame it on the Train Productions as a fund-raiser. Money raised from the show will help fund future local events such as The Machine, a Pink Floyd tribute band, scheduled to perform Thursday, Dec. 6 and the Susan G. Komen Foundation for the Cure, which benefits Breast Cancer Research.
The Richmond-based group is no stranger to JMU or Casey’s, located in the Holiday Inn on Market Street where they will be performing with Blatant Vibe this Friday, Nov. 2. Representative of Blame it on the Train, Travis Tucker noted this familiarity and close connection to JMU as one of the key reasons for selecting both bands for the fund-raising show.
“Some members of the band went to JMU and are always anxious to come back and rock their alma mater,” Tucker said. “Also, we chose Blatant Vibe because many of them are students at JMU and they put on a great show as well.”
Murphy’s Kids has performed nearly a dozen times in the Harrisonburg area and recently performed at Spaghettifest 5 in September.
“We bring the hardest, rocking, socially conscious reggae in the world right to your face/booty,” Attaway said. “And we are probably the nicest group of dudes you ever met.”
MK has been together for just over eight years and members John Charlet and Attaway have known each other for about 11 years. The name was derived from a streak of bad luck the group experienced when they first began as their bassist broke his foot twice in one year, venues fell through, and various obstacles made the concept known as “Murphy’s Law” seem particularly applicable to their situation.
However, since their initial bad luck streak the band has been a featured artist at the SouthernSka Tour, released several CDs, toured the East coast and appeared on bills with Less Than Jake, The Suicide Machines, Soldiers of Jah Army, Mutemath, The Fray, and The Pietasters among others. Their sound, though unique, has been compared to the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and The Toasters and influences ranging from Bad Religion to Bob Marley attribute to their sound.
But, it may be the groups’ live performance that makes them memorable.
“I have seen Murphy’s Kids perform several times and each one has so much energy and a great brotherly/sisterly vibe,” Tucker said. “At each show I have been to you can tell that everyone is there to enjoy themselves and the company of others. They know how to get the crowd going wild thanks to the quality of the music and John’s [the lead singer] ability to work the crowd… They consistently brought high intensity and great times to every show.”
The groups’ goals, as stated on their Myspace Web site match Tucker’s observations. “The goal is to bring everyone into the experience from the folks at the bar to the fans up front and for everyone to go home sweaty, exhausted, and grinning from ear to ear.”
Yet, beyond the music, perhaps the biggest reason for students and members of the community to come out to Casey’s is to support an important organization, helping in the fight against Breast Cancer. Half of the proceeds from the show will go to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation.
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