The lights go down. The band is announced. The music starts.
It is a scene played out every day in bars and taverns around the world.
But this is different. Most noticeably, the musicians are not rock 'n' roll washouts, holding on to an arena rock past. Nor are they weekend warriors, "working for the man" by day and playing the weekends for fun.
They are youth bands, the 18s and under. Three area youth bands are moving forward with their music.
Atrophy and Oh Tragedy recently put on a show at New Life Community Church in Grand Island. Over 100 mostly high-school-aged youth were at this all-ages show, which was a benefit. The musical recipe mixed some of the heaviest of '80s metal with vocals that sound like screaming at times, what you imagine demons would sound like.
It is the style of this music. Speed metal meets heavy metal, updated with vocals that pierce the night. It was melodic screaming, with rhythmic beat-driven guitar lines. Differences in musical styles are a constant through the years. Why should things change now? Bottom line: Do not expect any ballads any time soon from either of these bands.
The father of Atrophy drummer Kelton Davis, Keith Davis, said the term "garage band" applies since rehearsals were loud enough to disturb neighborhood calm. Even though police were called, no noise violations were issued.
To preserve peace, Atrophy moved to Davis' basement. The family is used to the noise. Davis' sister, Kendra, simply sits close to the television when she watches it after school.
Atrophy has been together since October of 2007. Since then, the original members have worked with vocalist Stephen Coates, who has developed lyrics for the music the other band members developed. Kelton Davis called it "Christian hardcore metal."
Davis said there used to be 10 to 15 young bands two years ago in the area, but the music scene "went away" as they graduated. They believe there are only three to four high school bands in Grand Island now. Band members said practice and originality were important.
"Don't try to imitate someone else," Coates said.
Loghry added that young musicians need to get up the nerve and try putting a band together.
Oh Tragedy has been together for about a year and half and plan to do concerts for a while to come. They have probably done the most shows of the three bands.
Band members described their style as "hard core/screamo," a style they love and want to do long-term. Their music is as random as their names as they sing about a variety of disconnected subjects.
Oh Tragedy echoed Atrophy's practice mantra, adding that the band likes to get together and jam with friends, too.
A third band is named Dreaming of a Nightmare, which is an oxymoron, said Tyler White, a guitarist for the group. The band has been together for about a year and call themselves a "melodic metal band." They have harmonized solos with power metal vocals. They do mostly original music but are thinking of developing some '80s metal covers. They expect to complete their first eight-song album by June.
The band has no acknowledged leader, but share the spotlight and showcase everyone. Dreaming of a Nightmare has been getting many offers for shows lately.
Alan Kohtes, of Electric Sky Entertainment, vouches for the talent of all these bands. Kohtes has promoted Tim McGraw, Marilyn Manson and Sarah Evans, among many other bands. He has worked with the three local bands and is Atrophy and Dreaming of a Nightmare's promoter.
Kohtes said young bands need to keep practicing, focus on the music, keep a level head and an open mind and avoid letting drugs and alcohol distract them from their talents.
He also said finding gigs can be tricky for youth bands, and that some of them occasionally play bars in the area but under strict supervision.
Atrophy
- Kelton Davis (drums), Stephen Coates (vocals), Parker Loghry (guitar), Kyle Fitch (guitar) and Patrick Rock (bass).
- www.myspace.com/atrophy01
- May 17 8 p.m. the Pulse, Hastings
- May 20 8 p.m. The Tank, with Drawn and Quartered, Grand Island
- June 21 8 p.m. Cornstock Festival, Grand Island
Oh Tragedy
- Emmet Holloway (drums, mixing) and Alex Rivera (guitar) are two members of Oh Tragedy. They all hail from Senior High. The band has aliases so their secret identities have been revealed. Vanilla Face plays guitar, Amazon does vocals, Slush Belly plays bass.
- www.myspace.com/ohtragedyband
- Shows: May 16 6:30 p.m. Federated Church, Columbus
- May 17 6 p.m. the Pulse, Hastings
- June 21 6 p.m. Cornstock Festival, Grand Island
- Oct. 24 7 p.m. TBA (Blood Fest) North Platte
Dreaming of a Nightmare
- Tyler White (guitar), Dustin Korth (guitar), Lucas Thompson (bass), Tyler Lewis (drums) and Trent Keikhafer (vocals).
- www.myspace.com/dreamingofanightmaremusic
- Shows: June 21 Cornstock, Grand Island
- Oct. 24 12 a.m. Blood Fest North Platte
Alan Kohtes, promoter 370-4420
- Electric Sky Entertainment
- www.myspace.com/livewiremusicgrandisland
