Metro Pulse/Music/Eye on the Scene

From the Mailbag

Hey,
I couldn't believe the negative review that was given to The Rockwells' new record. They are one of my favorite local bands. Their music is so much more thoughtful than a lot of what is out there in the local scene. I know thoughtful doesn't equal better but damn—that is a good record. I read that review thinking that someone has it out for them—why? Why is it necessary to not just talk about the record but to mouth rape the poor guys for all to see. After reading the review slamming this record, I of course went right down to the store and bought it. It sounded fine on my stereo and I don't know why you put down the sonic qualities of the record, I could hear every instrument just fine. I didn't notice any parts of the record that was unbearable, and what I did hear was a band that is still waving the rock and roll flag high and making good music that is sincere. In an age when rock is truly dead, no matter what anyone says, it is nice to hear a band that still makes great music using guitars. While we have a lot of fun and talented local bands in town, The Rockwells, with their strict attention to arrangements and harmony, fill a niche that no one else occupies locally. They are students of rock and roll. If you ever talk to them it will be obvious that this is true. It is a crime that you may have prevented people from taking this record and this band seriously. I play in The Ghosts, and yes we are still together. We will be playing with the Rockwells soon and hope that you might come down and give them another chance. Don't worry about dissing on The Ghosts, all our fans know that we suck! And we still got a good record review! Go figure. I guess there is always next time.
—Brett Winston

Local CD Review

Past Mistakes Demonstration (The New Beat Recordings)

For three years running, Knoxville's Past Mistakes has been cranking out tunes in the emocore genre, pleasing a small but fiercely loyal fan base and making occasional forays into the underground through DIY touring excursions. Since its inception, the band has continually produced thoughtful, well-crafted music. Their newest release, Demonstration (The New Beat Recordings), is no exception, actually eclipsing earlier efforts with a newfound maturity.

Past Mistakes has never wavered from its original sound: tuneful indie pop presented with hardcore intensity and a dash of metallic bombast. But as band members move into their mid 20s, the focus seems to be veering away from their trademark energetic, adolescent catharsis into more introspective and melodically sophisticated sound.

This evolution really pays off. Demonstration features the band's best songs to date. Instead of sticking to the emo/hardcore/pop-punk template, the group is producing solid songs that anyone could like, despite their subculture affiliation. It's a beautiful thing when any band transcends their genre, and Past Mistakes pulls this off flawlessly.

Lyricist/vocalist/bass player Chase Valentine is still wearing his heart on his sleeve, but the lyrical thrust has moved from teenage angst into more realistic and subdued musings. Valentine's vocals are the best ever, as he has learned to relax, sing and let the mic do some of the work. With the emphasis on singing instead of screaming, the songs are more dynamic and, well, just better. Much better.

The band will be hitting the road yet again soon, hitting the Midwest on one short tour and returning to the New York area later this summer. At present the band is pared down to a trio, as second guitarist Tony Johnson departed amicably to focus his attention on his own band, Atropos. Past Mistakes is auditioning new guitarists, but maybe they should just realize that current axeman Josh Holt can do just fine on his own? You can pick up a copy of the Demonstration ep at any of the band's area shows or order online at either www.pastmistakes.com or at www.thenewbeat.net.

Go.

Thursday: Smokin' Dave and the Premo Dopes with Westside Daredevils and the Randall Brown Band at Market Square. Everything you could want to know about local music but were afraid to ask. And it's free.

Friday: Karl Denson's Tiny Universe at Blue Cats. Jazz man.

Saturday: Knoxville Antiques Show at Merchants I-75 Expo. Or the Vestal Community Clean-up at Mary Vestal Park. Old junk that may be worth something, either way.

Sunday: Make mint juleps.

Monday: Steve Kaufman and Stephen Bennett at Wilson Chapel, Maryville College. Fingerpickin' camp's in session again.

Tuesday: Scandinavian Couple Dance at Laurel Theatre. Learn something new today.

Wednesday: Grand Buffet and the Solid Earth Collective with High Strung at Pilot Light. Hip hop, y'all.

—Emma "hot and bothered" Poptart with John Sewell