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Three chords and the truth
It's loud, it's fast and it's Christian. The energetic concerts and thought-provoking CDs of a new wave of bands make for positive punk.
By NATHANIEL DIMURA
© St. Petersburg Times
published November 4, 2002
"We're on to something good here," sings the band Relient K in its song Pressing On.
It may be right.
[Photo by Carol DiMura]
Nathaniel DiMura gets an autograph from Brian Pittman of the band Relient K.
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Relient K is part of a somewhat new trend in music. The trend is a pop/punk style that has a fast-paced rhythm featuring guitar, bass and drums, not to mention understandable lyrics.
But what really distinguishes the style from other punk music is that it is written and performed by Christian bands.
It's turning heads around the nation. NBC's Today show recently did a story on Christian rock, calling the concerts "Woodstock with clothes and without drugs. You might say these bands are using their God-given talent."
This style of music has appeal for all ages. Parents like these bands because most music of this genre is difficult to understand and can be negative. Parents don't have to lose sleep at night worrying about what messages their children are hearing. The messages from these punk bands are positive.
Teens like these bands because it is a style of music they have always enjoyed and yet the message is different. This means their parents don't nag them about what they are listening to and why.
When you go to one of these Christian rock concerts, be prepared. Parents can go, but they usually don't. This isn't like sitting in church. The people in the crowd go nuts, jumping up and down and bobbing their heads to the beat. If you are claustrophobic, this is not for you.
Your personal space is limited, but that is part of the concert. If you are trying to get across the room, it's not easy. You may find yourself squeezing into tight spaces, crawling between someone's legs and generally moving through the crowd with your clasped hands parting the way. Occasionally, you will even see crowd surfing.
One of the best parts of the concert is that after it, the band members come out to greet their fans and get to know them. No trouble getting autographs here.
Another aspect for fans is that many of the bands are up and coming, making their concerts and compact discs more affordable. A concert called "Back to the Few Tour" took place Oct. 25 in Palm Harbor at the Grind. For a $12 ticket, you could hear the songs of Relient K, Bleach, Philmore and Holland.
In the lobby, band merchandise, such as buttons for a $1 and CDs for $10, was sold. These CDs cost as much as $20 retail.
Where can you find these cool dude bands? Most Christian youth groups can tell you. Most recently, Rock the Universe at Universal Studios and Night of Joy at Walt Disney World brought in Audio Adrenaline, Newsboys, Third Day, Five Iron Frenzy, Relient K, Jars of Clay and the O.C. Supertones.
These bands have given rise to venues for teens to hang out and listen to this music. The Grind, an arts cafe and student center for teens in a strip shopping center in Palm Harbor, is run by Greg Pas, the youth minister for Harborside Christian Church.
The Grind has a capacity of 939, and on Oct. 25, the four bands played to a capacity crowd. Pas and Gordon Brosseau, who set up the facility for the concert, said there was one paid security office and about 12 volunteer security officers to assure safety.
At the Grind, kids can be away from church but still feel safe and enjoy socializing. Events other than concerts also are held there.
Another venue is Smiley's, which is on Indian Rocks Beach and is operated by the Indian Rocks Christian Church.
Events are held at least monthly at the Grind and Smiley's. The Grind has a free concert Nov. 15 featuring At One. Doors open at 7 p.m., with performances ending around 10 p.m. for the middle school-age group. Inside the Outside will perform from 8 to 11 p.m. Nov. 16 for high-schoolers at the Grind. Tickets are $2.
For a list of events, contact the Grind (727) 787-2233 or Smiley's (727) 593-3813. The band Third Day started a nationwide tour Friday.
Here's the rest of today's Xpress
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