OPINION: As your Dead Head uncle might tell you at every family gathering, live music is an irreplaceable and amazing experience, especially for sloshed college kids. Here at the University of Maine, we are very lucky to have a booming and diverse live music scene. From small performances at Wells to full shows at houses like Radon and Bulkhead, Orono is host to a plethora of bands in all different genres, including names like Tease, Gunshot Glitter, Snake Lips, Care For, AZV, And Then Some, Issac Raven, Widows Club and a recent addition named Leave No Trace.
One such band is Diffuser, also known as the “Orono-based sludgefest.” Diffuser is a rock/metal squad featuring drummer and third-year zoology student Ben Nash, bassist and fourth-year ecology and environmental sciences student Richard Viverious, guitarist and post-grad environmental horticulture student Ira Nichols and guitarist, vocalist and fourth-year new media major Zach Smith. Despite being from different hometowns and different majors, these performers come together to make a juggernaut of a student band.
“Our style can’t really be nailed down,” said the band before elaborating in a metaphorical fashion. “Imagine the freedom and exuberance of a wildebeest during the first rain of the wet season. Kinda like wallowing in the mud.” Indeed, Diffuser’s setlist contains an onslaught of rock and metal covers including hits from Helmet, Title Fight and Hum. I asked how long the group has been together, to which bassist Viverious said “we have always been and always will be.”
Diffuser has played shows across Orono at multiple venues including Myrtle, Radon and Sigma Chi, often collaborating with bands like Tease. In regards to their sets with other local groups, Diffuser states that “other bands have been super supportive and fun to play with.” More often than not, Diffuser can be seen in black band tees, or no tees at all in the case of drummer Nash.
Part of Diffuser’s sound comes from their ability to play through challenges and still deliver for the crowd. The band’s recent performance at Myrtle featured obstacles ranging from sweat to technical malfunctions, all of which the band overcame to throw an amazing show. When asked about how performing makes them feel, bassist Viverious aptly responded “performing makes me feel very sweaty and sometimes it makes me feel happy.” Make no mistake, the band looks like they’re having a blast, occasionally switching instruments and playing encores for an often sold-out venue. Believe me, most shows will leave you with whiplash and ringing ears. In my opinion, it’s totally worth it.
Finally, in regards to advice to other bands, Diffuser’s motto is short and sweet: “Only play music you like, otherwise it won’t sound good.” They have a point, you can tell what bands love the music they’re playing and what bands are playing to pay rent, which is also respectable. Regardless, Diffuser delivers, and we can have faith that as the school year begins to wind down, Diffuser and the bands of Orono will still be live and loud come September.
