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Bands unleash at KRUA concert
By David Waldron
Special to the Northern Light
Friday KRUA sponsored a concert in the Campus Center Den featuring the Brothers Contra, Jeb and Delmag, showcasing three bands with very different styles. The all-ages show was the first concert in a series of events the campus radio station plans to promote.
“It was kind of a group effort at KRUA that started the thing,” said J.R. Zufelt, music director for KRUA.
The show began with Chugiak High School's Brothers Contra (yes, they did get their name from the Nintendo game, and no they are not brothers). Although members range in age from 15 to 18, they kicked out a fast and energetic sound with enough talent to compete with the big boys. They played well, and even threw in an ‘80s metal track titled “Skipping Stones on a Stream of Hate.” The song's mood was elevated by the presence of one of the finest groomed mullets ever seen on campus.
Jeb took the stage next, at first seeming like a regular grunge-rock kind of band, but by their fourth song, true colors began to show. It was then that they broke out “The Sheriff.” The song involved twisting of nipples and lyrics too raw to be printed. The fun, and slightly twisted style of songwriting continued for the rest of the night, highlighted by: “Jordan's Sex Dungeon,” “Binge” and a rendition of Britney Spears' “Hit Me Baby One More Time.” Although Jeb tended to concentrate on generating laughs, they also played a few serious songs. “Beautiful” featured a blend of dissonance and melody that would've made Lane Staley proud. The band was well received, rewarded by some of the biggest cheers of the night. They sold 60 demo disks they brought with them before the last band took the stage.
Delmag wrapped the night up with their classic all-around-rock sound.
“This is the first show I've played sober,” lead singer Mike Gorder said through a smile. The band recently returned from California after recording a four song EP. Although Delmag is one of the most well known local bands, they played to a small crowd after taking the stage at 10 p.m. It may have had something to do with curfew. Even with reduced crowd numbers, Delmag was able to get the only crowd surfing of the night. After shouts from members of the audience, Delmag ended the show with “Race Car.”
Jeb and Delmag can be seen again when they open for 36 Crazyfists at the Egan Center on Feb. 27. As for upcoming shows on campus, there are no specific dates. The staff at KRUA is planning several more shows in the months of March and April.
“We're already talking to some bands…we just need to secure dates at the den,” Zufelt said.