Question the Answers begs the question, why isn't punk dead? Or moreover, in 2002, what makes 4 guys get together and mutually agree to play nothing but punk music? I simply can't fathom it. But now that they've committed to it, they certainly delivered on the tired concept of punk, down to the scream-whine vocals, speed-polka beats and tinny, over-distorted guitar that sounded like my old Radio Shack clock-radio. Question the man who booked this band.

Coheed & Cambria dripped talent almost as much as their Captain Cavemanlike singer dripped sweat. The first thing that came to mind (besides "Thank God - no more punk!") were flashbacks of progressive rock - ranging from the metal tip (Triumph) to the pop tip (Yes). Coheed & Cambria (neither of which are the names of any of the band's four members -- don't ask...) played intricately, melding good change-ups, powerful guitar, and passionate vocals. The singer's voice hit -- and sustained - notes that seemed almost too high for comfort, yet it worked. I thought prog-rock had gotten lost in the shuffle over the years, but apparently these kids aren't too young to appreciate it. Rock on, C&C!

When From Autumn To Ashes took the stage, an immediate pit broke out with their opening number (Reflection Of Anguish On A Face So Innocent). It was hard to believe that this was the same cadaveric crowd that stood practically motionless through the first two bands, save for some occasional head-nodding. I sidestepped the pit's windmilling dolts and moved in closer to hear the band's well-blended mix of emo and metalcore -- melodic strumming jumpcut with crunching metal and double bass. This band's power could easily tear apart their emo-stitching if they let it; good thing they didn't. Their dark side switched on and off without warning; leaving me reeling yet begging for more. I noticed their drummer was wearing a headset and singing along as he played - I immediately thought he was one of those "me too!" guys; not wanting to be left out from the creative soup. When he emerged from his kit and took the stage to handle the vocals for a song, I thought the band was humoring him -- then I realized he actually could sing! He returned front and center several times throughout their set, occasionally leaving the stage to float above the pit as he sang. I daresay this guy might be the band's biggest asset! He definitely carried the band, and his passion was legitimate. From Autumn To Ashes finished their set with a slow, strumming melody - unexpected yet very fitting.

Shai Hulud seemed like the auditory equivalent of an A.D.D. child - phrenetic and directionless. This energetic gang jumped around more than an army of David Lee Roth clones, and I fantasized about slipping Ritalin into their water bottles.