Death By Stereo/Year of the Rabbit
Monday, September 22, 2003
Masquerade - Atlanta, GA

By Ali Bracken

North Avenue was angry on Monday night. No, not because the construction shut down Krispy Kreme, but because the teens were so full of angst. And Death By Stereo led the revolution of screaming about the theys of society getting the wes to be the “sheep and move along.” Then, just when the crowd was sick of holding Efram Schulz in a body surf, Year of the Rabbit made us all somber and drunk with sorrow.
But I'm getting ahead of myself. I walked into Masquerade just after Thursday had exited the stage, and I was spit into a thick crowd of cool teens and hip 20 year-olds, inhaling smoke and each other. It was a retro t-shirt extravaganza, and I chuckled at the assortment of the printed messages – the MN state fair, Al's repair shop, and SGA elections – on top of faded jeans and plenty of studded belts. Pointers and pinkies waiting on deck, Death By Stereo started their half hour set.
I wish that I could tell you what songs were played by DBS. All I know is that there were definite beats, lots of ear-bleeding guitar, and that they were all led by Schulz' deep-throated chorals (10%) and screaming (90%). Supporting Schulz were Dan Palmer (guitar, vocals), Jim Miner (guitar), Todd Henig (drums), and Paul Minter (bass, vocals). Sometimes heroic, mostly devious, Death By Stereo lets you know that conformity just ain't cool. The crowd was 300 dense up front, and lots of sweat and pushes were exchanged, all eyes on the hard-working, yelling musicians on stage.
Because I struggled with which song was which (being the new DBS listener I am), I convinced the CD guy that I needed my own copy. This week, listening to Into the Valley of Death, DBS' third release, I feel that I understand the guys a bit more. Yes, I was right; they're pissed at conformists. Yes, I was right; they have serious beats and are hardcore electric. But I didn't give them credit for their creativity and humor. DBS gets my vote for most original lines, including “You're a bulls#$t salesman with a mouthful of samples” and my absolute favorite, “I wouldn't piss in your ear if your brain was on fire.” Genius! Yes, DBS, you made my toes curl and make me worry about you in a motherly sort of way, but if your “screw you” attitude keeps working like it does, I've got a pointer and pinky reserved for you – just get some therapy, ok?
After DBS made their SBD (sudden bodysurfing departure) and we waited another forty minutes, smoke made by machines drowned out the cancer that already was, and Year of the Rabbit made their shadow-in-spotlighted-smoke entrance. All I kept thinking about was how Garth Brooks did that once. Doh, back to YOTR.
Another group of guys with a much different M.O. than DBS, they opened with guitar instrumental, and my toes immediately curled in a different way. Ken Andrews, formerly of Failure, opened his mouth, and out came this voice that was like a donor's match to my soul, if I ever lose it. Part Gavin Rossdale, or just personal darkness (not necessarily anger) vocalized, I suddenly realized why the kids were out so late on a Monday night. Andrews, backed up by Tim Dow (drums), Solomon Snyder (bass guitar), and Jeff Garber (lead guitar), brings a resume of vocal and producing experience to the band that shows.
Ready for alternative radio, Year of the Rabbit will go from running underground to hitting the ground running. Cult following already intact, this sweet mix of vocals with not-so-hardcore rock and somber expression will catapult YOTR into the mainstream very soon. Although mainstream is not a compliment to many of the genre, YOTR's talent for creating perfectly intertwined melody with lyric will speak to more than they may have bargained.
I tried to swindle a CD off of YOTR's guy, but they were all gone – coincidence? I left smoky and ringing, and happy. Until I wanted Krispy Kreme and got pissed off. Cue Death By Stereo.