The Omnibus

Issue date: 4/15/04 Section: The Gallery

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Yes it is that time again. Time to give up on studying for a weekend and head to the rodeo grounds at Bolivar's Diamond S Arena for a nice fresh breath of dust. Last year's Revolution Festival was by far the best musical endeavor by Southwest Baptist University. This year also promises not to disappoint as we look forward to a time of loud music, smiles and coughing up dirt.

Media Credit: Jennifer Harris Austin Hartley will perform with his band StarrFadu at the 2004 Festival.

We all know Jars of Clay is the big headliner Saturday. Hooray. Sure, I remember "Flood." I even remember "Boy on a String." Jars of Clay's first album was amazing. They won all kinds of awards and had widespread critical acclaim. They are a very talented band, and one of my favorites in their genre. Their recent albums "At the Zoo" and "Who We Are Instead" were both great. They are terrific songwriters.

Now on with the bands students may not already know. The opener on Friday will feature Starrfadu. Starrfadu is definitely worth seeing; they have a somewhat entertaining set and really catchy lyrics. They brandish a pretty unique style in rock, drawing on jazz, British pop and folk, which sets them apart in the local Springfield scene. Next up on the main stage is Everman. I have never heard their stuff, but after checking out their Web site, they seem to have a strong drive and to be a very mission- oriented band. I cannot honestly recommend them either way.

The next two bands are what many people I have talked to consider the highlight of the festival. Spoken is on the road all the time, and it is evident from their performances. They have an entertaining set that is very conducive to worship. Spoken plays high-energy, hard rock music with beautifully sung lyrics. I am always satisfied after their show, and I usually walk away feeling inspired. Spoken fires up the audience, but they also make them think. If students have not seen them before, they are in for a treat.

The Orange County Supertones are certainly a band most students should love. The Supertones have survived the '90s influx of ska music that boosted their first releases to the top of the charts (well, at least the Christian charts). Many years and many lineup changes later, they are still releasing high quality music. Their current CD, "HI-FI Revival" is a big shift from their ska roots to a new, more surf rock oriented sound. While the upbeats may be lacking, their live show certainly is not. The Supertones still "Bring It" just as hard as they did back in their rude boy days.

Another band students should not miss is Joy Electric. For all electronic music fans out there, Joy Electric is amazing! For people who do not like those weird techno kids, do not worry. This certainly is not a glow stick holding, beat happy rave band. This is J.E., the innovative electronic band that crosses genres by putting the emphasis on the song instead of the beat. The result is some of the happiest and most fun music ever heard. Singer Ronnie Martin really puts his heart into the band's live performance, and his voice is unsettlingly good. DJ Jeff Cloud (also in Starflyer 59) is also amazing to watch.     

Sophomore Josh Collins (whose band will be making a surprise appearance at the second stage) would not talk to me again if I did not mention Salvador. Salvador is guaranteed to be a really entertaining band, mixing salsa with crazy percussion and improvisational Latin beats. Do not miss Salvador, and be sure to bring a dance partner.   

A really exciting aspect of this year's festival is the second stage. Sophomore Jenna Barbosa will be bringing her beautiful voice to this stage Friday afternoon.  Saturday morning is also packed with fun times. Kansas City punk band, The Underdog Conspiracy, is sure to bring a crowd. Students need to see this band; if nothing else come to see junior Ethan Zerr and his lightning-fast drumming.

Also on stage Saturday morning is the local hardcore metal band, Scarswillfade. If students have not seen them yet, make a point to because this is one of the most talented bands at the festival. They will get you moving and your booty wiggling.

Another band that will entertain at the second stage is Aineo. (I have no idea how to pronounce it; it's all Greek to me.) Aineo brings a melodic hardcore sound, and their lead singer, freshman Matt Park, has an Elvis microphone. They are fun.

If students want some fun, you can also check out Exit Stage Left, a power-pop-punk-rock funcore band. They are proving to be a really entertaining group, and some of their new songs are really good. Also don't forget crazy Jocasta's Broach. They rock like limestone. Seriously, students will like their progressive style ala Coheed and Cambria style. Trust me.

In case readers did not already figure this out, I did not try to review every artist appearing at the Revolution Festival. I only touched on the best bands or the ones I think people should know about. So have fun at the Revolution Festival. Try not to breathe in the dirt.

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