photo of Snake Island by Chris Dinan
featuring footage by Love Drunk, Jon Augustine, Andrew Dickinson, Lauren Justice, Ben Stokke, Nick Teets, Casey Welsch
New Rise Music presents What is Loud?, a short film featuring Universe Contest, Snake Island, Powers and Halfwit, all bands of whom help to represent Nebraska music.
In the words of Lazy-i's Tim McMahan, “Lincoln’s Universe Contest is a spastic indie rock band that has been threatening to break out into a full-scale indie music phenomenon for the last year. The question is more when will it happen rather than if it will. The band perfects theatricality in their live sets, while still delivering melodic precision. Modest Mouse is the usual comparison thrown Universe Contest’s way but there’s elements of the last decade’s best, messy indie pop acts in here. If you’re already inclined to liking acts like Tapes 'n Tapes or the Dismemberment Plan, you’ll find lots to like in Universe Contest.”
Omaha residents Snake Island! finds a foothold in the sound of what they describe as “fuzzed-out teenage blues, reverb-drenched psychedelia, a maniacal force of volume.” Pulling on the strings of heavy indie rock influences, Snake Island! will leave unprotected ears ringing and at the same time give you something you may easily find yourself humming the next day.
Powers aims to create an explosion of rock 'n' roll music, but with a twist. Building on influences such as Queens of the Stone Age, they threaten to push the “stoner” rock sound, as they describe it, in new directions. Powers is still relatively new, but you wouldn’t be able to tell from the music they release. Having recorded more than 14 original pieces in 2013, the band sets its sights on a new record in 2014. The camaraderie amongst the members in the group is strong, and its presence can be felt when they hit the stage. Powers is becoming a force in the local scene, and a must-see show.
Halfwit is also a relatively new group, but its members are veterans to the Nebraska scene. Halfwit's bandmates have resumes that list bands such as Life Of A Scarecrow, Ideal Cleaners and Machete Archive. Although each member’s personal style shines through in Halfwit’s music, as a whole, they are in stark contrast to their diverse musical histories. Halfwit describes their sound as “lunch box rock,” and hails influences like the Frisbee. Not yet to have recorded a studio album, there is a great deal to be said by Halfwit yet.
New Rise Music is a Nebraska organization started by James Andrew to document both local musical talent, and that which tours through Nebraska. More short pieces will be released weekly. Reach James at newrisemusic@gmail.com.