Posted on November 12, 2007
It is a common myth on the JMU campus that there is nothing exciting or affordable to do in Harrisonburg. Tomorrow’s WXJM-sponsored show at Festival Conference and Student Center further proves how inaccurate that assumption is.
Not only will the 8:30 p.m. concert be free, easy to get to and provide a root beer keg, but five bands traveling from as close as Main Street to as far as the Netherlands will be entertaining audiences with the type of energy only hardcore shows can deliver.
L.A.-based hardcore, metal, thrash band Terror is crossing the country on an extensive tour promoting their latest album released Oct. 30, “Rhythm Amongst the Chaos.” Tour locations span destinations as distant as Florida, Maine, California, Ohio and Canada.
Hardcore punk band No Turning Back also demonstrates a similar and equally impressive work ethic as their new album Holding On is scheduled to be released on five continents with a grueling tour schedule to match.
However, the show at Festival tomorrow night is about more than bands from across the country and the world. The line-up manages to maintain a local feel with Richmond-based bands Naysayer and Down to Nothing and Harrisonburg’s own Savage Land.
Newly formed, Naysayer began playing together early in summer 2007 and features one JMU student. The band’s influences focus most around older New York hardcore bands such as Sheer Terror, Sick of it All and Cro-mags and the group emulates their favorite bands with a similar heavy, aggressive, energetic musical style.
Revelations Records, Richmond band Down to Nothing is also in the midst of an extensive national tour. The band will be arriving in Harrisonburg after a Lemoyne, Pa. show tonight and will depart for a New York City performance at the Knitting Factory with No Turning Back scheduled for Wednesday.
“People should come out to the show because Down to Nothing is playing,” said loyal fan and guitarist of Savage Land Austin Stemper. “That and because Daniel Garst will be there.”
Last, but not least, Harrisonburg hardcore, progressive, metal band Savage Land will also be performing tomorrow night. The band began a year and a half ago, with their first show on Sept. 15, 2006. Each member attends JMU except for Stemper who attends Bridgewater College.
Guitarist, David Frazier and Stemper grew up together. After meeting bassist Tim Skirven and vocalist Marty Tribble at various local shows, the group formed and began making music influenced by groups including Integrity, Black Flag, and bands of early Revelation/Dischord/Sub-Pop records.
“I would say we sound—or strive to sound—somewhat similar to our influences while trying to throw in a sonic curve ball here or there,” said Stemper. “But I would mainly describe the music as fast, noisy and heavy.”
More information on each of the bands can be found on their MySpace pages, all of which include more details on their current and prospective tours.
Come see some great bands, have fun at one of the most energetic shows of the year and do a keg stand: all for free.
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