Feature Articles

Macrock 2001 (continued)

Macrock 2001

By: Jacob Parcell
Photos: Justin Kirkwood

It's just about 1:30 a.m. and I'm standing at the very front of the stage in the PC Ballroom. Travis Morrison, singer/guitarist for The Dismemberment Plan has his back turned to me. His guitar is on the ground and he beats on the strings as the rest of the band plays "OK, Jokes Over," a tune from their self-titled debut album. He jumps up. His back is still turned as he removes his belt. This brings a rash of cheers from the six or seven girls around me. I cringe fearfully as I wonder if clothing is going to be removed.

At shows like MACRoCk bands have at most seven songs to make a lasting impression. In order to make that impression they have to go beyond the music and find a way to really get the crowd into their show. Energy is the key, if they get up there and just play the audience is not going to be impressed. In the DP showcase, Strike Anywhere, Cash and the Dismemberment Plan were able to rise above the short sets and make a real impact on the crowd.

Strike Anywhere's fans made an impression for them. With the first notes of the five-piece hardcore outfit from Richmond's set, the stage floor became a maelstrom of moshing, stage dives and crowd surfing. They were singing with every verse. After the show, the venue emptied with many fans going to catch other hardcore shows.

They didn't miss much. The Movielife, a band from Long Island, NY with a strong punk presence, drew screams from regular fans. Even their singer, who got into the faces of audience members when singing couldn't pump the crowd. Bands like Peru and Trans Megetti, who played excellent sets musically, failed to get the crowd moving like other bands in the showcase. Also, a couple bands complained about the show going on next door at the Stryder showcase, which could be heard in between songs.

Before they went on, Cash, a four-piece band from Boston, had me wondering what 70's band they best resembled since the guitarists and bassist were dressed like they were touring for Neil Young. They did play poppier 70's type tunes, but they had fun. Their constant jumping around and single note guitar fills were a break from the other stage hijinx. The drummer even kicked his set over ala Keith Moon of The Who to end the band's set.

Before The Dismemberment Plan went on around 1, Morrison commented on how the band played at MACRoCk 4 years ago, when bands like Superchunk were headlining. He said the spirit was the same. The band quickly kicked into favorites like "Gyroscope," "What Do You Want Me To Say," as well as "The Dismemberment Plan Gets Rich," the popular tune from the DP's newest EP. The DP also played tunes "Time Bomb" and "The Face of the Earth" from their upcoming album, "Changes," which will be out in October. The band was tight with every song and except for a knocked over keyboard, the gig went without a hitch.

Even though the Morrison was moving with a fast tempo the whole show, madness did not ensue until Morrison removed his belt. With belt in hand, Morrison picks up this straw hat he's been wearing since someone threw it onstage earlier. He takes the microphone off the stand and sings a line. He proceeds to punish his guitar with a crack of his belt. The crowd cheers. He does again and gets the same response. The crowd has his full attention and as the song ends, they hope for an encore. It didn't happen. At these festivals you should always keep them wanting more.