Local-band reunion concerts seem to come in waves, as if nostalgia kicks in after a certain amount of time. The reunion bug has now bitten a bunch of the poppy, harmony-driven alternative rock bands that flourished here in the early-mid 90s.
A few months ago, World in a Room — the Smiths/R.E.M./U2-influenced group that once packed the old Grog Shop with college kids — announced that they would be reuniting to play the new Grog Shop location on June 13. The quartet — singer/rhythm guitarist Jason Kilbey-Smith, lead guitarist Kevin Bang, bassist Tim Brennan and drummer Don Lisy — broke up in 1997 after releasing two CDs that stand up well next to contemporary bands like Coldplay and Snow Patrol. Pale Hollow and View from Everest join WIAR on that 8 p.m. show. Tickets are $8 advance, $10 day of show. Go here for more info and to listen to some music.
In the wake of World in a Room’s announcement, a couple of their contemporaries have decided to reunite this summer too. The Jehova Waitresses, fronted by singer/guitarists Linda and Kevin Roy, were one of the quirkier bands of the period, with folk-inflected songs that often came out of left field. They were one of the first local bands to release music on CD, when Hard Up came out in 1990. It was followed by 1992’s Shake Your Buddha and 1993’s Perfect Impossible. The Waitresses are also planning a Grog Shop show, on August 1. It’s unclear which former members will be performing, although it’s fairly certain that Jeff Harmon, who was with the band throughout its 1989-1996 tenure, will be manning the drums. The band also included — in subsequent stints — bassists Alan Grandy and Paul Lewis, and violinist Kristine Jares (now with Cats on Holiday) and Janice Fields-Pohl.
And finally, the Waynes, a poppy quartet known for its strong vocals, including two lead singers (Laurie Hallal and Matt Sobol), have announced their reunion show for August 8 at the Happy Dog. Although the Waynes never had a large following, they enjoyed support from local media and music mavens, snagging a good amount of airplay for their CD Long Road Gravity and slots on major concerts and festivals. They threw in the towel in 1995 and the members — who also include bassist Derek Poindexter (currently playing with Pale Hollow) and drummer Kurt Triptow — have been intermittently active in the local music scene since then, including a “sort of” reunion gig in 2004.
So — In Fear of Roses? The Walk-Ins? Odd Girl Out? What are you waiting for? —Anastasia Pantsios
