On April 19, WUSB 90.1 FM radio station kicked off spring with their annual concert, The Bash. Local musicians graced the stage in front of the Staller Steps to a sun-loving audience.
The musical line-up for the day included the bands: Razabel, Married, Knot, Hans Garcia and Facestabber. While the bands performed, audience members tie-dyed shirts and created zines at tables situated at the side of the Staller Steps. These activities were a new addition to The Bash.
Heavy rock metal band Razabel opened the event with a cover of MAXIMUM THE HORMONE’s song, “What’s up, people?!” The masked lead singers unleashed guttural yells to the sound of aggressive electric guitar riffs and dynamic drum beats. Razabel’s intensity and passion for their craft poured through their performance despite the minimal response from the 70 people in attendance.
Afterwards, Razabel played covers of “Zetsubou Billy” and “The Rumbling,” where they balanced melancholic lyrics with electrifying guitar rhythms. Razabel urged the audience to join in on the chaos. A few excited attendees formed an impromptu mosh pit. The concertgoers smiled and swung pool noodles at each other as the band played their last song.
Anthony Haynes, the announcer for the event, expressed his excitement for the event and then welcomed Hans Garcia and his band to the stage.
The musical tone of the afternoon shifted into a relaxed one with the entrance of Garcia and his band. As it grew warmer, more people joined in to listen to the music.
The alternative indie rock band played their original song, “Keep Up.” Garcia’s dreamy and hushed vocals contrasted with the loud and upbeat vibrations of the electric guitar. Garcia then performed other original songs of his, including “Remain” and an untitled song.Garcia’s nostalgic and familiar tone touched on the feelings of outgrowing stages of life and the new adventures to be embarked on in adulthood.
Before heading off, Garcia thanked his family, who sat in the crowd, and Stony Brook for inviting him to perform .
Jasmina Pepic, a sophomore majoring in journalism, expressed her thoughts about The Bash.
“It’s one of my favorite university events, and I wish it was able to happen more [often],” she said.
Next, heavy metal band Facestabber showed up to the stage. While the band had no singers, they featured a drummer, pianist and bassist. They played several untitled songs with crashing drums, synth sounds and guitar riffs.
Austin Bi, Facestabber’s guitarist, expressed his thoughts about the event.
“Today was a good experience,” he said. “Our influence is all over the spectrum.” He explained that the drummer and pianist both came from backgrounds, while he came from rock.
Isobel Breheny-Schaefer, the assistant director of Student Media and general manager for WUSB, shared her thoughts on the event.
“[We wanted to] give the students a way to relax, create community and bring awareness to the radio station,” she said.
She described the event as a “rite of passage for our student directors.”
Afterwards, the progressive rock band Married, Knot tore into their set with guts and energy. They alternated between piercing screams and soft-sounding lyrics.
Anthony Haynes, a senior majoring in environmental design, expressed his thoughts on the event.
“This is my third year going to the event,” he said. “It’s really beautiful to see local talent and independent musicians’ performances.”
“Everyone seemed to be having a good time among the stress of dealing with the end of the semester,” Pepic added. “I liked the feeling of community.”
