Typically
anticipation runs pretty low for a Monday early-evening gig. Often, it’s a low-dough slot
with minimal risk for promoters and minimum return for the band. That is unless,
you’re in This Is Home and it’s your first gig ever. I braved the bluster and
wind Monday, November 18, to stand in a modest sea of teenagers so that I could watch
this band lose its live-show cherry, live. The anticipation was palpable as the
kids danced and grooved around the stage to the diametrically disparate drone
of Dr. Dre coming in over the PA. The angst and
urgency were all legit and 100 percent grade-A genuine — this band is made up
solely of teenagers and 20-year-olds.
The
band, though a little stiff (nerves no doubt) hit heavy and strong, enjoying
the ride as much as the crowd. Not sure what they call it these days, but This Is
Home played a screamingly aggressive metal-esque set
with a full-on drum attack beneath the six-string buzzsaw
and chugga-chugga-squeal up
front. It was in direct contrast to the sanctuary found in the band’s name.
There
were the typical feedback and volume issues that arise at every show (newbie or
otherwise), but the crowd danced and head-banged in approval as it stood and
ushered yet another bunch of rock-music hopefuls into the fold. Welcome to the
dark side, boys.
This article appears in Nov 20-26, 2013.
