The Insyderz, Ghoti Hook, Five Iron Frenzy, & The OC Supertones

Recently, I was fortunate enough to make it up to Elgin, IL for a concert primarily dominated by 3rd Wave ska bands. The Insyderz opened the night, and as I was late getting up there (durn Chicago road construction!) I didnŐt get the chance to see much of these guys. I came in about the time Ghoti Hook started to play. To me, Ghoti Hook sounded much like MxPx or any other happy-pop punk band. It seemed that they appealed mainly to a mid-junior high to early-high school crowd judging by the people who were most active.

For me, the night began when Five Iron Frenzy opened their set. Immediately, the crowd started to move again, though most people were still jumping around like a punk band was playing. Five Iron ripped through song after song, winning people to ska along the way. Much like their debut "Upbeats and Beatdowns," the show was fun beyond what is normal while at the same time bringing glory to Christ. Live, they sounded excellent. The mix of horns and guitars blended very well, despite the rough acoustics of the gymnasium at Judson College. And what a show. Unlike many of todayŐs modern rock bands who donŐt know what to do on stage besides fake some sort of maniacal torment, Five Iron Frenzy decided to have a little fun. Aren't we glad that you don't have to play modern rock to be cool.

Finally, the OC Supertones took the stage. Just like their album The Adventures of the OC Supertones, they opened the show with "Adonai". From there out, the Supertones couldnŐt praise Jesus Christ enough. The music was fast, the crowd had adopted more of a skank (typical dance of the ska crowd) and left their mosh, which was fitting to the music (why do people mosh at every concert these days?). It was not hard to stay with the band as the night went on, even if one hadnŐt heard much of their album. They made sure to emphasize the most important lyrics and even teach the crowd a few so that the praise could extend past the border of the stage and move out into the crowd. Before their last two songs, their lead singer, Matt started to talk about his general excitement in his faith. Several times he referred to passages and key figures in the Bible. There was no way that anyone could have left the show not knowing the these bands, especially the OC Supertones were doing this for Christ.

I left the show that night not only feeling excited about the fun that I had and the good music that I heard, but also about my connection in the body of Christ with other believers from all over the Chicago area. To often, I go to see a Christian band play a Christian show and it amounts to a regular old concert with a few mentions of our Lord and some hidden lyrics drowned out by a loud band. Even though most "Christian bands" these days are comprised of strong Christians, sometimes the true focus of the entire event is lost. The Supertones are making sure that Christians who come to the event are full of praise when they leave and those who havenŐt met Christ are left wondering what could be so wonderful. I would strongly recommend going to see the Supertones even if youŐre not sure that ska is your thing, because Jesus Christ will be.

Brian Smith
briansmi@ecn.purdue.edu

CCM