Local Bands Get Behind Student Radio

WXYC Benefit Concert
Cat's Cradle, Oct. 4

It was garage band central at Cat's Cradle on Saturday night as local musicians gathered in support of UNC's student-run radio station WXYC.

Lud, Spatula, Portastatic, the Comas and the Cherry Valence played late into the night in order to help WXYC raise money for a much needed antenna tower.

Though the crowd was surprisingly thin during the first performance, people began gradually to trickle in throughout the evening until the venue was full, showing more support than most college radio stations would ever dream of receiving.

Though every band played well, the most notable performances were given by the Comas, Spatula and Portastatic, who had the already enthusiastic crowd even more excitable.

The three-man band Spatula was perhaps the most unique of the five groups. Guitar, drums and electric cello -- this trio's sound was comparable to a milder Mogwai. Playing mainly instrumental songs, they were at times harsh with their heavily distorted sound but never terribly abrasive.

However, this was not without exception. The guitarist's attempts at vocals were worthy of a cringe as he shakily sang off-key and at various random pitches.

Portastatic played next, sprinkling the mostly original set with '80s pop covers, like the Kinks' "Mindless Child of Motherhood." This energetic band had bodies moving and heads bobbing with their punk style.

Lead guitarist Mac McCaughan, also frontman for Chapel Hill's Superchunk, seemed like a hyperactive kid on stage and wowed the audience with his impressive solos and amused them with corny lyrics. Portastic set the right tone for the rest of the concert -- not too serious or heavy, just light and fun.

The Comas were a quirky group that provided not only music but a sense of moody atmosphere. With the lights turned out, a glowing red lamp shade was almost all that could be seen of the stage during the performance.

Their music had a vintage sound that matched the antique lamp on stage. But though they like to play in the dark, they don't sing lullabies.

The Comas are still a rock band and were more than capable of inciting moments of random dancing among concertgoers.

Lud and the Cherry Valence were average groups that performed equally as average. Although Lud's guitar soloist performed skillfully, his talent was above the caliber of the group.

But the evening's performances as a whole were a great success.

A mix of station supporters and members of WXYC composed Saturday evening's crowd. Their purpose -- to enjoy quality music and, more importantly, to help generate about $25,000 for WXYC.

For the past 2 1/2 years, the station's antenna has been operating at half power. The new tower will allow WXYC to broadcast full range.

Station manager Jason Perlmutter, a senior chemistry major, said he would be disappointed if the show did not sell out.

He stated that WXYC has raised about 10 percent of the needed funds. The next '80s music night at Cat's Cradle will also benefit the station.

If the quality of the music, the loyalty of the bands and the size of the audience are any indication, WXYC is well on its way to maximum power.

The Arts & Entertainment Editor can be reached at artsdesk@unc.edu.