(Published in The Mirror 4/28/05)
With all the negative press recently about Fairfield University's disturbing homogeneity, one of its bands unknowingly lends a helping hand.
Yes, it's made up of four young white kids. And it is very possible that their parents bought their instruments for them. The Miles Standish Monument brings a fresh breath of musical diversity to campus.
It is important to note that this does not mean that bands like White Noise and Johnny Proud are not musically diverse, because they are. But these are the new guys.
The Miles Standish Monument was born just a little over a month ago. Songwriters, vocalist, guitarist and pianists Bo Moore '07 and Lou Janetty '08 came together in December for Dolan Ghost and have been picking each other's brains ever since.
They joined forces with bassist Evan Barden '08 and drummer JP Francini '08. They categorize themselves Indie rock/pop.
Some stories surrounding the band members include hanging out with Aerosmith on multiple occasions, heckling from the popped collared students for their apparently threatening clothing and hair-style choices and submitting Sodexho comment cards filled out with beef stew in place of ink.
"As a band, everyone contributes something of their own to every song, so we're all happy and rocking," Moore said. "And if you catch us playing at a party, we're extra happy and rocking"
Moore is the only sophomore in this mostly-freshman band, so they'll be here for a while. "I think in two years we could easily be signed to some Indie label, maybe even sooner," said Moore. "The more we play, the better we're getting."
The band wants to play at least a couple more times before summer break, so keep checking the walls in your residence hall for their posters.
They're young fledglings and it's hard not to see their potential.
Reasons to support The Miles Standish Monument include their songs' warm simplicity, all with a sort of summery feel to them and their ease of listening.
Lyrics are clear for the most part and the songs are happy and upbeat.
There's nothing too loud, nothing too soft and no swearing.
Do you remember The Beatles? These guys actually sound like a new version of them, with a slightly more punk feel.
Moore says their other influences include Ted Leo, The Strokes and The Pixies.
Bands that would definitely not make the list of influences would be The Dave Matthews Band, Howie Day, John Mayer and Gavin DeGraw.
That's why they are refreshing.
Favorites include "Stay Quiet," with its very unique and catchy chorus composition, and "Sodapop Curtis," which requires a little audience participation.
Both can be heard on their Web site, www.purevolume.com/themilesstandishmonument
Their name may change this summer, but when they come back they plan to have a studio CD under their belt, more show experience, more songs and a larger following.
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