THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 2002
MUSIC
THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN = 3
Band progresses after one year
contributed photo
Filibuster — (from left) Taylor Busch, David Schapker, Beau Jackson and Ryan Stephens practices its pop punk version of the Alma Mater last week in Stephens' basement. The band will play tomorrow night at Abe and Jake's Landing, 8 E. 6th St.
by Janette Yost Jayplay writer
For the Lawrence band Filibuster, cover songs are few and far between. Because all four members of the band write, it has a large repertoire of originals.
One of their covers: KU's Alma Mater. And it's punk rock.
Made of four KU students, Filibuster started playing a year ago this month. Since then, they have become less punk and more pop,and have made their name recognizable.
Stephens has been playing with drummer Beau Jackson, Andover senior, for years. The two met lead guitarist and vocalist David Schapker, Prairie Village junior, last August. Their three-piece performed Filibuster's first gig at a Hashinger Hall open mic night last October. Taylor Busch, Ft. Collins, Colo. sophomore, joined on bass the following semester.
Filibuster's power-pop style is a take on melodic rock, Jackson said, citing comparisons to Weezer and Blink 182.
While the band doesn't play with a sound never heard before, its music is high energy and easy for listeners to get into, contributing to its student fan base.
"They challenge themselves to play a music genre that's crowded, and they do it well," said C.J. Jackson, Newark, N.J., junior.
The band hopes its second year will find more people at their shows.
"The best feeling in the world is singing a song you wrote and see people singing back," Jackson said.
Filibuster's demo CD, recorded in March, will soon be available in stores.
If the KU marching band's version of the Alma Mater just doesn't do it for you, you can try out a punk version when Filibuster opens for Ryan Cabrera and Shaking Tree Friday night at Abe and Jake's Landing, 8 E.6th St. For more upcoming shows, go to www.filibusterband.com.
Commentary
Punk beats drive band
By Bill Heinen
Jayplay writer
The first time I heard Getaway Driver was at a random house party my freshman year. I remember being blown away and then making sure I went to every show after that.
I've never had a bad experience watching this punk band. It's always been a sweetly-flowing mixture of sweat, aggression and perfected harmonies that never seems to miss.
After seeing them rock out at the Pixies tribute show, I talked to the members to see what they were all about.
David Newton, bassist and vocalist said performances were a top priority.
SEE GETAWAY ON PAGE 4
"Most important thing we have aside from good music, is an awesome live show," Newton said.