Most every Thursday night on the Gorham campus, the Gorham Events Board offers students a friendly alternative to doing Jell-o shots in Upton-Hastings Hall in the form of “Thirsty Thursday” events. Thirsty Thursdays offer everything from games to give-aways to free music. Music was on the bill last Thursday, with local bands, One Day Closer, Vague Valentine\ and U-Turn.
The first band was One Day Closer, from the Biddeford/Sanford area. Taking the stage with thundering drums and guitars, the band launched into a set of slow, deliberate hard rock. The lead singer was a talented female vocalist and she actually hit notes. They played a short set that wasn’t poppy enough to dance to or thrashing enough to mosh to, ultimately leaving me unsatisfied.
The next group was USM’s own Vague Valentine, and the obvious highlight of the evening. VV’s music is unique pop rock with a rock-n-roll drive and vocal/guitar harmonies. They sprinkled everything from thrashing rock solos to reggae upbeats in a nearly hour-long set that had the crowd on their feet and moving. Vague Valentine didn’t just raise the bar for local bands, they kicked it in the ass and sent it home crying. From bluesy guitar riffs to drum solos to an encore cover of Hendrix’s “Foxy Lady,” they had to be seen to be believed.
Portland band U-Turn finished up the evening with a set of vocal-driven punk. I was tempted to write these guys off as a generic punk band, but the more I listened, the more I liked. Musical talent and competent songwriting proved that U-Turn was more than a bunch kids with low-slung guitars copying their idols. Their energy didn’t fade despite going on close to 11 o’clock and rushing to clear out of the Brooks Student Center. The emotive jumpiness of the members was par for the performance.
The Gorham Events Board pulled the night together well. A few sound gaffes and technical difficulties were cleared up quickly and the crowd showed their appreciation for the bands by filling the Brooks Student Center and having a great time. It proves that, sometimes, you don’t have to look any further than your own campus to hear some great bands and have a good time.