The following article appeared in Volume 8 Issue 3 of the North Kingstown High School school paper, The Current Wave, printed in January 2002. I typed the article exactly as it was typed in the paper. If you have any questions e-mail me at EricaBoreanaz@aol.com.
Tired of unrelenting sounds of over-produced boy bands? How about the same song being played on numerous radio stations simultaneously? But is that really all that is out there? The same old Britney Spears wanna-bes? The songs that all sound alike by all the rock bands line Staind, Limp Bizkit and 3 Doors Down? There is so much more music out there that is never given a chance. Artists like Dashboard Confessional, Hey Mercedes, and Turning Blue are all out there trying to be heard, and doing the things they love to do.
Dashboard Confessional is an artist consisting of a man and his acoustic guitar. Chris Carrabba a.k.a. Dashboard Confessional is an emo (emotional) artist who sings his soul. His slow moving songs, and inspirational lyrics can bring anyone to tears. Song titles such as “Screaming Infidelities,” The Sharp Hint Of New Tears,” and “The Best Deceptions” open eyes to how to live your life, and how other people are viewed. Carrabba recently released his second album, “the Swiss Army Romance,” and his music is simply moving. He recently performed at the Avalon in Boston. Fans highly recommend seeing a show. “Dashboard (Carrabba) is a musical genius in my eyes. He takes the feelings inside you, and puts them to music,” said Sarah Scanlon, 19, a fan of Dashboard Carrabba.
Hey Mercedes is another underground band hitting the top, and almost breaking through. As another emo band, with a sound a little harder than Dashboard Confessional, these four members express themselves with guitar sounds and vocals that explain what it is like to be an outsider. Hey Mercedes recently opened for Saves the Day at Lupos Heartbreak Hotel with an inspirational performance that left the audience in awe. Their first full length album, “Everynight Fire Works,” came out in mid-October and can be purchased at Newbury Comics.
If local music is more your style, rising band Turning Blue is a great option. Performing at local venues like the Met Cáfe, this band has its audience hooked. The music captures the listener and pulls them back again and again. Turning Blue opened for Stroke 9 at the 95.5 WBRU Summer Concert Series, which was a gig over the summer that earned the band many fans. Their EP (5 track album) is out now, and a worthwhile purchase. The band is playing the Met Cáfe in early spring, however the date has not yet been announced.
Whatever your style of music there are some inspirational underground bands that are worthy of listening to. The music scene seems to be the same, and many feel that it is time for some new sounds on the airwaves. These bands and many more could be the bands for you, and they just haven’t been discovered yet. I highly suggest giving them a chance. Who knows? You may just uncover your new favorite band.
Check back within the next month or so for pictures from the 12-28 show.