~8/16/02-Backwash, Redline 6, Thirty 3, The ConfedeRats, Ever We Fall, Point Blank, The Forensics [The Domino Room, Bend]-(((And fuck!! I forgot No Cash Value)))

Friday the 16th of August brought Bend a nice large show courtesy of Punkin Around. New local band The Forensics opened, and played a decent round of punk rock with a cover song or two mixed in. I think it's obligatory for all new bands to do at least one or two covers. It's smart, because odds are if you're a punk band at least one or two kids in the audience will know the song and sing along/get pumped up. Next up was Point Blank, and I think this band is getting better every time I hear them. I tend to wonder if this is due to me starting to recognize the songs, but in this case I think it's actually a matter of the members becoming a tighter group. Next up was a band I hadn't yet heard-Ever We Fall. This four piece band from the Portland area has an average age of 16, but they still played a great set. They performed really well, and didn't just stand in one spot playing their instruments, they moved around the stage, and at one point the bassist even hopped off stage to run around. Their emo-core sound wasn't too appreciated by the mass of Bend jingle punks, who rudely left during their set. The Bend scenesters really need to work on their respect issues. Those that didn't stick around missed a great emo band, and with any luck we'll see more of them soon. Next up was the ConfedeRats. These guys always get the local kids rocking, and tonight was no exception. I talk about the Rats alot here, because they play a shitload of local gigs. They're also one of the coolest group of fellows I've yet met. Thirty3 outta Portland was up next. I like these guys. Thirty3 plays a frantic high energy set. Is it punk, is it emo, is it hardcore? Who cares, it just rocks. Redline 6 was next. They play pop-punk. Emphasis on the pop. I was very tired at this point, and just not too excited about their set. Backwash played last, and this was sadly their final show. As far as final shows go I've got to say that I've seen better. I like these guys, and it's a shame to see them go, but this show kinda sucked for them. I dunno whether the boys were drinking, or just didn't have the energy to play that late or what. I do know that a people climbed on stage and tried to sing along a few too many times. This can be cool, but tonight it just sucked. If a band is playing their final show I want to hear the band, and not random drunken teens. ((No Cash Value also played, and I forgot them. I'm a bastard, sorry kids.))