Writer's Note: This is an article I wrote about a local band I love. These guys are total sweethearts and put on a really fun show. For various reasons, the article was not published. I attempted to get it onto another site but that also fell through. So, I will share it with you all now since I'm starting this blog back up.
Love is a big word. Only fittingly are there so many
ways to express and interrupt what that word really means. In some cases, love
is about as punk rock as it can get. We all felt the love rippling through fast
guitars, hardcore drum rolls, classic bass lines, and emotive rock vocals
blaring Friday, August 31st at The Hut. Local punk band For or
Against wear their hearts on their tattooed sleeves and always engage the crowd
as friends. Wrapping us up in their catchy, driving songs like a hug between
bar comrades, they proved themselves to be one of those guaranteed good show
bands.
For or Against is really a band for friends, for the
people who influence their music. And it was clear as I spotted each member
greeting family and fellow musicians before their set, that their friendship
spans wide over Tucson. Often pausing to thank us all for joining them, the
feeling of appreciation and enthusiasm was shared on all ends.
Originally started in the mid-nineties by vocalist Maury Morales and guitarist Steve
Mayatz, the band’s staying power is impressive.
With the addition of the talented, musicians who complete the
current lineup, the band is amping up the volume and inviting old pals and new
fans to step up to the stage. Though
most of us cheering up front with cameras and drinks balanced in our arms were
there because we were already fans of their music, I suspect they have gained a
considerable following through their impressive resume of additional projects.
Their polished take on classic punk and hardcore draws on experience gained by
other musical endeavors such as: Brute
Squad, Knuckle Junction, Ps9, and Contraband.
The entire night
kicked off with a burst of catchy energy in their sound check, playing a song
they would encore later in the set. The influences of punk at its very core are
easily picked out by the conisor of the heavier things in life but they are far
from weighed down by the weight of their rock offerings. Vocalist Maury Morales
has clearly earned his chops with his pristine delivery and humbleness. All the
songs were dedicated to the people. To the friends close to our hearts and to
the ones who had to go too soon. Equal parts talent and winning personality,
Maury is an enjoyably likeable front man.
The guitar work is in perfect accord with Maury’s
vocal contributions and it’s no surprise that both guitarists have worked with
the lead man before. Steve Mayatz is one
of the original members of FOA and is literally family to Maury. Cousins by
blood and shared musical vision. The
newest addition to the band, Jamie
Gryszkin, has also played beside him in the recently disbanded,
Contraband. Their effortless ability to
play off of each other is proof that something almost mystical happens to
musicians who have worked together for an extended amount of time. They can
read each other’s thoughts; at least that’s what it looks like from where I’m
standing.
Banging on the drums
with a level of ferocity and expertise is another of FOA’s newest additions,
Christopher Hack. Rounded out by the classic bass lines of Keith Mutton, each
member proves to be a crucial part of the whole punk rock pie. What is so
refreshing and engaging about their shows are the obvious friendships forming
on stage and off. As they laughed together, all of us in the crowd answered
with jubilant yells of new bonds made.
Surrounded by For or Against’s family, friends and band mates, I was in
the best company that could have been had on 4th Avenue that night.
The band is currently
working on a slew of new tunes and has hopes to record an ep or album in the
not so distant future. In the meantime, fans of their music can look forward to
a lot of shows in the next couple months including this Saturday at Runaway Bar
and Grill and at the Nest Skate Park on October 5th. If you love
them as much as I do and just want the whole world to know it, rockin t-shirts
and merch are on the way.
For or Against earn a
shiny seal of approval and recommendation with their take on the punk of
yesterday, today, and the future. Armed with loud instruments and love in their
hearts the band is poised to dominate Tucson’s punk scene. More importantly
they have created an environment with their music that breeds fun lovin
memories and conversations with strangers, connected by the power of rock and
roll. Keep your eyes on For or Against
and prepare yourself. After you hear their music, their catchy hooks will be
stuck in your head all night long.
Check out For or Against at:
http://www.facebook.com/ForOrAgainst
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