The Center of the Universe

(Owned & Operated)
by Scott Hefflon

Five bands, three songs apiece, total running time 40 minutes, all recorded at The Blasting Room in Colorado and with full-lengths either out or on the way from O&O. Any questions? Opening is Wretch Like Me, the band who grabbed attention opening for ALL and Lagwagon, building the rep as one of the most energetic punk bands who can (somehow) still stay tight as they leap about like madmen. Melodic without being sappy pop, hard like Rollins without being grunting he-men, WLM is a band ya really oughtta check out. Someday I… introduce themselves as a promising young band skating the driving beat/emo start’n’stop noisepop line. With some artsy stumbling, some chugging riffs, and a chorus or two worth singing in the shower, this is a fine greeting. Next up is Chicago’s New Rob Robbies, an uncategorizable band that favors dorky, jerky rhythms and odd guitar riffs over traditional pop/punk formulas. Hot on their heels is Tanger, a band composed of two Jasons and a Jon, who contribute chunky, Albini-esque low-end rock with good stomping beats. Their new record is on the way. Closing is Bill the Welder, the band comprised of ALL/Descendents’ road crew. The songs are fun, silly, and simple yet well-executed. Basically, it’s for fun (kinda thought that’s what playing music was supposed to be for), borrowing from Black Flag and Descendents equally, then gettin’ spastic with the mix. All for $5!
(PO Box 36 Fort Collins, CO 80522)