This was a landmark occasion being the first EVER rock show at the Westport Coffee House (40th and Pennsylvania). A rather interesting, but relaxing, venue because it was the first show I have ever seen, or heard of, that was sit-down. It put an interesting perspective to the rock scene. Unlike most local shows with the moshers taking stage, or people bumping you from all directions, nor was there much talking during the preformance, and the extra thrill was that no one had a chance to really act disinterested and take off at any time without taking notice. The audience seemed more prone to stick around and the best part was that the band was truly on stage because this. It is interesting actually WATCHING a local show instead of the heavy burden that most show goers see as a chance to somewhat participate. The wonderful atmosphere is only like what I had imagined the Rhumba Box to show, but never had the chance to experience. The bands were, Julia Surrenders, Reflector, and the illustrious Grovel.

J U L I A S U R R E N D E R E D : They jammed out on their pop styled rock grooves for a while, the sit down perspective allowed almost too much relaxation because though they were fun to watch, you couldn't help to think that they needed more involvement from the auidence to create some sort of synergetic experience. But it was enjoyable, they played well, as I have seen from this band previously.

R E F L E C T O R : Bang! Bang! Bang! The drummer from this band displayed three dynamic levels throughout ninty-nine percent of their preformance: Loud, Hella Loud, and Extra Bonus Loud (Copyright 1997 Keanon Enterprizes). After the long series of post-grunge, post-punk, but a little more melodic set, I talked to the drummer who says about his playing as loud as possible and hitting every drum as hard and as much as humanly possible for forty minutes; he said, "I'm trying to save my band money by playing loud, so we don't have to buy any more mics." Words from a man who can hit drums...

G R O V E L : As always, Grovel took the stage with their beautiful ballods of noise and rock to the stage for a wonderful preformance which I enjoyed much. With the atmosphere of a dim room underneath a dim coffee house, the band to end all bands rocked and moved the auidence around in swirling phrases and loudly stated vocals. The three guitarists, bass and drummer filled the stage quite well while and rocked out. They are great. Grovel good.

There are plans of Grovel possibly releasing their new disc, or one of the possible release shows.., with the Blackwater and nasa's little secret. Join in the fun as Grovel releases Statically Yours, in birthday attire.

Japan