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Diversions
Hydrophonics rocks, hip-hops
By Amanda Degen
Published:
Monday, February 3, 2003
Media Credit: scott theisen
Hydrophonics performs at the Java Joint Friday. Hydrophonics� hip hop sound followed Second Hand Halo and The Echo Union.
On Friday, the Java Joint was rockin' with the performances of The Echo Union, Second Hand Halo and Hydrophonics. The Java Joint, known for its promotion of original live music in the St. Cloud area, was busy as the bands played 8-11:45 p.m.
The night began with The Echo Union, a hard rock alternative quartet, which plays well-known covers from Jimmy Hendrix and the Doors, as well as their own songs. The band started as an acoustic trio and has been playing together for two years.
"We started out doing a cappella and vocal harmony," singer and songwriter Cheesbrow said.
"We were at a bus stop, and we saw this guy wearing a Pearl Jam t-shirt. We were talking, and he said, 'I'm a drummer looking for a band,' and we said 'We're a band looking for a drummer,' and then we went from a trio to band."
"I know this sounds cheesy, but we're just spreading the good word of peace and love and treating people right," Cheesbrow said. "That, and it's just fun."
Second Hand Halo, another hard-rock alternative music band playing covers, as well as their original music, took the stage at 9 p.m.
Their recently released album, entitled Sunset is available online and at live shows.
Hydrophonics, an eight piece hip-hop band, took the stage last. They were playing live with a new drummer and bassist for the first time that night.
"We originally started as a guitar and two emcees, and that number somehow grew from three to eight," said Q, one of the band's three vocalists.
"I'd say we're unique because we're combining hip-hop, and instead of doing it with a loud grungy guitar and doing a rap-rock thing, we're doing a whole different side of it," said Q. "We're lighter, with a jam-band feel to it, but still sticking true to good lyrics."
All in all, the night was successful, as it allowed three up-and-coming bands to showcase their work, as well as provide a nice bar alternative to local music lovers. For all three bands, exposure is the key.
"We have the CD coming out, and we'll have a press packet and a Web site soon," Hank said. "So hopefully, with all this (publicity), we'll just come together and get people to know us. We're getting better, day by day, slowly but surely, a little bit at a time."
