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Sides of the North, the headliners, hit it hard as in mathematically jagged hardcore that owes its existence to Tool and other profferers of the ponderous and artsy. Babyfaced lead singer/guitarist Matt (last name?; they don't care to divulge) sang with desperate hopefulness into their tuneful dischordance. As with opening act and Word Of Mouth Records labelmates Falling Into Place, SOTN (find their name in Isaiah 14) has a bassist that shouts antiphonally to the primary lead vocals.

Keyboards on "Mrs. Malicious" and the more intricate "You Red Devil" added texture without wussiness. "Melody" nearly roiled at a dance-rock froth, and "Passion's Kiss" let their inner punks peek out. SOTN made for a delightful punch to the gut.

The Roosevelts' haymaker was more of a punk power trio sideswipe. Just as fellow Word Of Mouther'ers SOTN have no use for surnames, The Roosevelts had little patience for prefacing or back-announcing song titles, but lead singing bassist Noah Curtis had palpable hurt in the crying vocal he gave to "It Can't End This Way." On that song and a couple others, guitarist Kyle Benson lent occasional backing vocals. Newest member, drummer Eric, has two major things going on:1) he farms hair from both sides of his head like a son of ZZ Top and 2) he attacks his skins with a precision belying the power behind his strokes.    

Boxing metaphors won't suffice for No Longer Micah (name reference:Judges 17). Puglism isn't subtle enough for the Milwaukee quintet. They first brought to mind a world-weary B-52's with a flutist. A local Rock for Life rep informed me that they are also influenced by a panoply of alt rock bands including The Pixies. In any case, the flute and keyboards (with bass, guitar and drums) made for a varied, brainy sound that flows into the current neo-new wave surge. Keeping on point with the evening's cause, half of NLM's set was dedicated to mothers who have died by legal abortions. I may never have wanted to dance more to songs so serious, but nobody one was dancing to anything.

Though they ended with a gothically textured waltz, Falling Into Pieces got me into no kind of boogying mood. Shrill screamo punk with lead singer/shouting bassist interaction tends to make me want to not do much of anything. Until I hear their full album, I'll chalk my indifference up to their youth.

Another local openner, Asherstreets, led off the night. Eventually finding my way to Waukesha from two sets of directions found me missing most of their set. But if what I caught was indicative of their overall sound, the acoustic guitar and piano duo recalled the similarly outfitted Lost & Found minus the aggression...and the fun? Let me give them a fuller hearing before I confirm that last impression. 

Before the headliners, a national Rock For Life organizer reminded all gathered-75 at most, band members aside-of the gravity of abortion and its ravages in moving, direct terms. Way too bad more people didn't come for such strong, diverse line-up and a message that needs airing until Rock For Life needs to find another reason to exist.
 
Jamie Lee Rake   8/16/2005