Moshing For Jesus by Helen Bach

Helen Bach finds God -now will he please go away.

What the hell is wrong with kids today? That’s my thought. Local underground music has been the litmus test of generations for generations. Back room club with smokey beat poets, bongo playing sitar player, 3 chord rock and roll and a loyal pulse of kids with pocket change and prayers of a ride to the next gig. I remember the early 80s praying to GOD I could find $3.00 for cover and a ride to the most popular snake pit of a venue, where multi billed bands would slam out hard core punk rock to a hungry angsty crowd. Those were the days.. that’s when I saw my first junkie skin popping in the bathroom, or saw vomit fly out of someone or saw people actually DOING IT EWWWWWWWWWWWW in the stairwell, when I ran my pathetic ass down fire escapes jumping into dumpsters to avoid the police as they raided and arrested.. no no I’m not 12 I’m 21 honest…..HA! Who the hell was I kidding?! There was a scene in the film version of Billy Elliott where Billy runs like hell to the slamming sound of London Calling by the Clash, hell that was ME bolting down the streets of Hartford CT dodging the law. Good Ol underground music.. good ol F the rules mentality! Yeah! Die Young Stay Pretty…



Welcome to 2009 Daddy-OH, you aint seen nothin yet….


I have a whole new vantage on the alt scene the ‘underground’ per say. Let me take you on a journey of whats become of that dicey club up and the $3.00 cover.


On this particular Saturday night its a co-ed car trip to Western CT to a All Age venue called the Space. I have no idea what to expect but I have a funny feeling no ones going to be doing it in the stairwell, and no ones gonna shoot up. At least I don’t think so. My comrades tonight is a hardcore rocker boy and 2 adorable (no I am not biased) scene girls. A great group up for fun and stoked for a night out. Their parents know who they’re with, a licensed sober driver is behind the wheel of the SUV with air bags. We all have a seat belt and I am willing to bet my life that no one is carrying pot, booze or a needle.


Arriving at the club I am stunned. Its absolutely resembles my basement only its located in an industrial park. A polite older gent takes my $10. at the door pulls a clipboard and says…..who are you here for?


Hes keeping track. Apparently if you bring your fans you move up the ranks.


First let me state theres a snack bar, and you can buy Air Heads candy for .50.(its vegan). I’m surrounded by 13-19 year old…


what are they? The girls are carrying coach bags and the boys are wearing those dumb ass basketball shorts…what the hell? We arrived early so I grab the opportunity to check outside and notice the carpool moms droppin off. Once back in I see theres moms in there, theres a couple dads but moms are there. Weird. And no one is looking cool..no one. They all look bland as toast, WHERES “THE LOOK?’


Lights are up. No dark corners. Weird.


There are 5 bands tonight for the $10. cover all sending the same image. Believe in yourself, you’re strong, you’re in control, you’re good.. gosh darn it people like you… Jesus loves you too……WHAT?


Ok this is far to strange to me. Where is the 1-2 Fuck You that started every underground gig???? ARE THEY PRAYING by the stacks?


Hardcore Screamo for the Lord. This ain’t Ave Maria this is AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGHH Maria … ha, I cracked myself up. Its not a cult. Its not straight edge, its little Christian soldiers…crazy huh?


So it goes like this, the bands get up do their set announce the address of their myspace -I noted our rocker boy Erik actually wrote one down on the .. get this COMPLIMENTARY cds bands distributed.. ‘hey man check us out’. Thank you.


Thank you


Am I being thanked? Ok so now we have, no booze, no sex, no drugs(to be seen anyway) no swearing and good manners.


Things have changed indeed. I see now why parents would drop off its boring in there, and hot and it smells like bubblegum and Axe for men.


sigh…


I had a great time, I love the kids I went with and I really liked the headlining band Elotheos. These kids have real talent and apparently wealthy parents cuz their equipment is top notch. Loved their entire vibe. Check them out at myspace http://www.myspace.com/elotheos


Thank you.


Oh and everyone was home by midnight.