this one

Scene Report
By Duncan Barlow

What exactly does music have in common with alcohol? The average person might answer "nothing." But a Louisville concert promoter would add "everything."

Lately I have been attending quite a few over-age (21 and up) concerts to examine exactly what alcohol has in common with music. The answer is simple: Alcohol sales pay bands better. But then an even more ridiculous question fabricates: What is in the words "all ages" that makes people think it actually reads "20 and under"? Is it that there is no alcohol to be served? Is the music of a lesser quality? I doubt the latter.

The simple solution would be a dual-level complex where the bands would play on the first floor and the alcohol would remain on the second floor. The second floor would be off-limits to the under-age people and they would not be able to obtain the liquor.

Louisville music is much too strong to be divided because of alcohol. Not to mention that it is unfair that the all-ages shows are forced to hurry their schedules because of a later over-age show.

I guess I should now cut to the chase of my article, considering that I have already taken too much time with my political babbling.

The first show I saw this month was a Rant benefit. Honky, the opening band, played a good first set. The vocalist seemed a little shy of the microphone. I would best describe the band as young alternative music, with a slight Sugar influence.

Telephone Man was next. They played their usual tight set: Chicago-influenced guitar rock.

Hula Hoop played in the third spot due to a late Ben Lord from Falling Forward. This was perhaps one of the better sets that I have seen from Hula Hoop. The band always seems well-practiced, so what else can I say that you probably haven't heard?

Falling Forward played an energetic set. These boys have grown, musically, faster than any band I have ever known. Very energetic, emotional-type music.

Another show that sticks out in my memory is the last all-ages Crain show. It is good to see Jon Cook on the front line again. Crain really caught me off guard at this show. Very powerful.

Starbilly played their first all-ages show with Joe's Report and Guilt. Joe's Report did well considering that it was their all-ages debut. Starbilly had an incredible first show. I have never really seen a band with so many female fans so quickly. Guilt played what I thought to be a good show, but I can't really judge since I am in the band.

I did not go to the Hedge show because Loppybogymi is an out-of-town band that talks bad about local talent, and I refuse to watch another set by them.

Time to move on to upcoming releases and new releases. I recently obtained a Hedge demo tape which really surprised me: Firehose-influenced music, with a wholesome southern feel to it. I expect good things to come to this band. Tempt has released a demo tape: power chord, political music with a heavy Rorschach influence.

Telephone Man just recorded at DSL studios, and it is by far the best thing the unit has done. If you are a Telephone Man fan you will love this tape.

Slam Dek will be releasing an Endpoint CD with the demo and some other previously released material.

Guilt will be releasing their record sometime before April 24.

Hopefully the Endpoint record will be in on time for the next two shows. Endpoint will be playing on April 1 and 2 with Rodan, Spitboy, Rain Like the Sound of Trains, Greyhouse, Shift and Blank.

Blank is changing its name to Thumb Screw. Sensefield will be playing at Tewligans on April 24 with Guilt and Falling Forward. On May 15, 7 Seconds will be playing at Tewligans with Enkindel and T.B.A.

That is about all for this month. If I missed a show or forgot to mention a band, I am sorry.

Good night.

fa