Red Magazine

Finals. The word itself implies closure. However, for students drowning in last-minute papers, there seems to be no feasible end in sight. Trapped in the library, surrounded by cups of lukewarm coffee, packs of gum and books upon books upon…The young scholars must not think of frolicking in greener pastures, soaked in sun, but rather of the exams that will take them to higher ground. Without some sort of a reprieve, one is likely to end up like Jack Nicholson in “The Shining”—wielding an axe and mingling with dead bartenders.
Fortunately, the Associated Students of the University of Utah has made efforts to eradicate the “all work and no play” ethic adopted by overachievers set on hallowed grades. On April 15, two weeks before the semester ends, the U will host a day of pure frivolity designed to re-energize the burned-out masses.

The event, which kicks off at noon, will feature two completely different but equally stellar bands: The Bouncing Souls and The Pharcyde. Both are strictly old school, carrying on traditions that have become somewhat obscured by contemporary forms of bubble gum, hurley/roxy-cookie-cutter punk and bling-bling-cribs style rap.

First up is The Bouncing Souls, a group that first raised hell on the streets of New Jersey circa 1989. Greg Attonito (lead vocals), “The Pete” Steinkopf (guitar/vocals), Bryan “Papillon” Kienlen (bass/vocals) and Michael McDermott originally joined forces to share a love of hard edged music and fast tiny bicycles. They wasted no time in generating material, quickly whipping out The Good, The Bad, and The Argyle (Chunksaah), an album brimming with impassioned talent.

Though simplistic, their lyrics were endearing, relatable and impossible to forget. The boys sang of BMX bikes, ’80s theme songs and friendships that could never be broken. Five years later, the group moved up and out, relocating to New York City and signing to Los Angeles’s BYO records. The group’s second effort, Maniacal Laughter, was slightly more sophisticated than its previous release, but the band remained true to its punk-rock roots.

The BYO stint ended when Epitaph’s Brett Gerwitz noticed The Bouncing Souls tearing up the underground. Somehow he managed to convince the band to sign with his little label,a feat that led to a three-record deal that spawned 1997’s self-titled release, 1999’s Hopeless Romantic and 2000’s How I Spent My Summer Vacation.

Concert attendees will have to switch gears immediately following the Jersey punk revival when The Pharcyde hits the stage. This West-Coast foursome-turned duo featured three former “In Living Color” dancers, so you know they have moves. MCs/producers Tre “Slimkid” Hardson, Derrick “Fatlip” Stewart, Romye “Booty Brown” Robinson, and Imani (I have no cool middle moniker) Wilcox formed The Pharcyde in 1989.

The members share with The Bouncing Souls a keen wit and love for pop culture. Their first album, 1991’s Bizarre Ride II the Pharcyde (Delicious Vinyl), is a far cry from the stoic fronts often copped by fellow rappers. Rummaging through the past, they drew on their youth to construct slapstick narratives. They grabbed the mic and hyped teacher crushes, fat mama jokes and blunts that further magnified imagination. It was that sense of play that attracted a loyal fan base, one that continues to endure today.

However, fans hoping to hear new material dream in vain. Both bands have apparently taken a break from recording and though it’s not hard to imagine why they need a rest, it’s difficult to repress pleas for more. Come to the party on Tuesday and help convince them to call for a comeback.

The party will also feature freestyle robotics by local band The Flowbots and music by LA’s Woven along with a graffiti art competition, inflatable games, local vendors and seal-the-deal free food. Events will take place outside the Union (in case of snow(!) go to the Huntsman Center).
jamie@red-mag.com