Six bands compete for cash, encourage students to vote

By Kyle Kernan

Posted on Thursday, November 1st, 2007, 12:00 am

I sat in on “Rock the Vote,” put on by the Progressive Student Alliance Thursday in Memorial Union which highlighted a set list of six bands competing for $500.

From the event, the PSA hoped to raise awareness for students to get out and vote on the upcoming bond issues that directly effect the University of Maine system.

UMaine U Vote’s Battle of the Bands ranged in style, tone and feeling. By the end of the night, I was hungry to see more from the night’s notable acts.

The tonality of the performances ranged from a milder version of Tenacious D with Horseshoes and Hand Grenades to Justin Drummm, who appeared to be a rock tribute band as they showcased different rock anthems such as Van Halen’s provocative “Panama” and Black Sabbath’s guitar-laden “Crazy Train.” Horseshoes gave one of the night’s most memorable songs, “Whisky,” which caused the audience to account shameful moments many would contest to not remember after partaking in the “the devil’s drink.” Their sound was very distinct through their pairing of an acoustic and bass guitar that gave way to a spunky, fresh rhythm.

Another noteworthy performance was by the band P.R.O.P.E.L, an acronym for “People that Realize Other People Exist,” that staged two lead vocals. Adam Darker-Hoyt, one of the band’s vocalists, explained that the band had been together for four years. To outline the contrast of time some of these acts have been performing, the band Justin Drummm had only been together since the day before said lead singer Nik Berce, a fourth-year business marketing major.

Jack’s Wild, a blues-rock band, echoed the Allman Brothers with their emotionally-strained songs that gave way to a sense of longing and heartache. Their eloquent guitar rifts and excitement included the bassist to promptly engage the audience by rocking out while balancing on top of a chair. Brothers Brian on guitar and vocals and Danny Herasymehuck on keyboards seemed to prove the bands apparent camaraderie.

The Choice Professionals was the much-deserved winner of the evening. Their pleasing sound of simultaneously incorporating a trumpet and acoustic guitar was reminiscent of O.A.R. with their upbeat tempo yet somber lyrics. They were the only act that inspired me to get up and dance; for a few moments I felt as if I was at music festival. Their songs were widespread with influences of college life. They played such songs as “Lindsay Lohan,” “Wasted Time” and “Just like Anybody,” which exemplified longing, the escape of drugs, alcohol and depression, respectively. They will be playing at Java Jive on Nov. 6.