 "Photo: KGRG")
On Friday April 16th the Lindbloom Student Center erupted with a fury only the sounds of rock could produce. Moneta, Shy for Shy, Sunderlyn, and West On 18, will be sharing the stage Friday night starting at 7pm.
These four local bands are well known for high-energy shows, electric stage presence and growing number of loyal fans. Each have some form of a pop/rock sound, and much like Pop Rocks candy, they all deliver sweet and shocking music that keep you wanting more.
Moneta is a 5-piece band from Seattle, and has been an unstoppable forest fire of talent in the Northwest since they joined forces 3 years ago. The five members share a passion for music, as well as the excitement for their newly released album "Villains," the finale to the two-part series of EP's that appropriately began with "Heroes." The band headlined the show.
Shy for Shy is comprised of four Seattleite musicians, who after hitting the streets, self-promoting and booking their own shows, have now played with acts such as The Classic Crime, The Cab, Hey Monday, A Rocket to The Moon, Danger Radio, Valencia, and Every Avenue.
"[We're] Four gents on a mission to create a musical mantra comprised of smart-ass twenty-something's who seek inspiration from 80s rock and pop culture." Sunderlyn stated when asked what they're made of.
Aside from their self-description, Sunderlyn is coming out with a new EP. They are consistently busy with their slew of upcoming shows. Unfortunately, these rockers have had to overcome a huge loss this spring.
"The Sundurrty Express (our van) fell to mechanical issues, we have been devastated but we will move on," The band said with determination. They are moving on despite their unexpected tragedy, and plan to give GRCC a fantastic show!
West On 18 is a rockin' 4-piece from the nearby Kent area, who have been working hard to play amazing shows and promote their upcoming full length album Vented Frustrations release. Looking toward the future, with promise in their sound, this band has just the right amount of charisma to keep it going.
When asking each band how they would describe their own sounds we got some interesting and even hilarious answers that had to be shared with our readers and their listeners alike. West on 18 described themselves as, "Punk with a little bit of power pop. If Paramore and Four Year Strong had a baby, it would be us."
Moneta's members added their own flare when asked. "According to our singer, Jerry [Kansky], Moneta is a "Tour De Force in Powerpop Rock." While bassist, Gordon [Mcpherson] describes it as "Lemonade and Razorblades," Moneta replied
Sunderlyn tried but failed to mask their humor and told us, "We answer this question as a joke most of the time but I would like to be a bit more serious this time. We are a distinct blend of The Hanson Brothers and BB Mack, with a slight spice of Victoria Beckam, No we are just basic rock. No bells or whistles, just face melting quality ear candy."
Shy for Shy attributed their sound to their lead vocalist. "Ryan Martinez, delivers a voice that is undeniably reminiscent of Circa Survive's Anthony Green, refurbished with a sugary pop coating – an integral element to their experimental driven fusion of pop and classic rock," Shy for Shy replied.
These starry-eyed bands are well on their way to bigger and better things, so catch them live in action in your local area. You can find them all on Myspace, where you can check out new songs, merchandise, blogs, and upcoming shows.
KGRG is putting on this show to promote the bands' album releases, showing support for local bands once again. KGRG has been backing locals since day one, so get out there, forget that you have a paper due Monday because nothing will matter once the amp's ON buttons are all glowing.
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