By: Nathan
3.27.08

The Skinny: House shows in Blacksburg, VA, have always been a treat, but the local indie music scene has suffered tremendously here in the wake of a tragic event that occurred back in 2003. In typical college town fashion, almost every potential club or venue shuns any live music that isn’t going to bring in a 21+ crowd, so house shows are extremely crucial to underground music here. They serve as places willing to host shows for music that’s hardly mainstream, and they are always all ages events. Piece by piece, things are slowly starting to come back together. There are currently several house venues operating in town giving host to local, regional, and national acts…and thank God for that.

I feel so lucky to be a part of these events. Half of it is knowing why I love living in a small town. In cities, if you go to a hardcore show, you only see hardcore bands. If you go to an emo show, you only see emo bands. See the pattern? A smaller scene like Blacksburg seems stronger to me because it brings every branch of underground music together. Seeing a metal head, an emo kid, and a punk rocker standing side by side and singing the same songs together is a really good thing. House shows in general just have a more positive vibe. I love to watch bands at bars and drink, but sometimes it’s just nice knowing that you don’t have to worry about the frat guy beside you making fun of you because you look a little funny. Everyone that comes to a house show is there for the same reason, to have a good time.

The Date and Place: 2-23-2008 at the Lodge in Blacksburg, VA.

The Review: I got to this show about 15 minutes late and apparently missed a short solo acoustic act. That put a damper on things, but my spirits were quickly rekindled when I Am the Speed of Light struck their first note. Nostalgia took over and I was transported back 5 years. This Blacksburg three piece was a mainstay in years past, but were on an indefinite hiatus when two members moved away. This gig was their reunion show. This band reminds me a lot of Modern Life is War and Black Flag later in their career. I was so into it that I don’t think I ever stopped smiling.

The next band was D.C.’s own Mas y Mas. I was told this band ruled and checked them out before hand. On their recordings, they sound very electronic and almost experimental. That’s all well and good, just not really my thing. However, when those songs were moved to the stage, they ended up sounding like folk punk with Ramones-esque hooks. I was pretty much floored, and hunted their vocalist/guitarist down afterwards to buy both cd’s they had for sale. I really recommend checking these guys out.

The House Floor ended the night. Indie rock is becoming a guilty pleasure of mine, and these guys are pretty crucial. I’ve been watching them for a few years and continue to be impressed with their progression as a band. I spoke with several members after the show, and even though all members are graduating college and leaving Blacksburg, none of them really have any plans of quitting The House Floor. I expect big things for these guys so keep an eye out for them.

Seeing shows like this reaffirms my faith. I know that no matter what job I have or where I live, I am part of something. It’s almost like having another family in a way. If so many people from so many different walks of life can come together like this then we’re doing something positive. There are those who believe that you grow out of punk rock, but I’d like to think not.

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