Music Blog

Typically anticipation runs pretty low for a Monday early-evening gig. Often, it's a low-dough slot with minimal risk for promoters and minimum return for the band. That is unless, you're in This Is Home and it's your first gig ever. I braved the bluster and wind Monday, November 18, to stand in a modest sea of teenagers so that I could watch this band lose its live-show cherry, live. The anticipation was palpable as the kids danced and grooved around the stage to the diametrically disparate drone of Dr. Dre coming in over the PA. The angst and urgency were all legit and 100 percent grade-A genuine -- this band is made up solely of teenagers and 20-year-olds.

The band, though a little stiff (nerves no doubt) hit heavy and strong, enjoying the ride as much as the crowd. Not sure what they call it these days, but This Is Home played a screamingly aggressive metal-esque set with a full-on drum attack beneath the six-string buzzsaw and chugga-chugga-squeal up front. It was in direct contrast to the sanctuary found in the band's name.

There were the typical feedback and volume issues that arise at every show (newbie or otherwise), but the crowd danced and head-banged in approval as it stood and ushered yet another bunch of rock-music hopefuls into the fold. Welcome to the dark side, boys.