TODAY’S YOUTH

Rock off, rock on

By Sam Pfeifle

Yes, the crowds of screaming teenage girls were impressive. As was the deafening, yet somehow crystal-clear, sound system set up in Catherine McCauley Auditorium by L/A Music Factory. But the best thing going at this past weekend’s Reindeer Rock-Off finals was, as it always is, the prodigious talent displayed by the five high-school bands competing for the illustrious title of “Best Young Band in the State of Maine.” Through all four hours of music, they proved themselves to be comfortable on their instruments, confident in their stage presence, and competent in their songwriting.

Pawn Shop Caddies, fronted by Eric-Stoltz look alike T.J. Swann — who also took home honors for best original lyrics — won the event, but by the slimmest of margins. Within three-tenths of point in the final tally were Portland’s own Second Chance and a strong contingent out of Thorton Academy called Glory Trap.

Along with fellow competitors in the jam/pop outfit Jinxed and Self Asteam — who busted out a nice version of Rage Against the Machine’s “Take the Power Back” to open the festivities — more than 450 spectators turned out to support the five bands. “It’s the biggest turnout since our third year back in ’86,” says Reindeer head Louis Phillipe, “when we had 1400 people in the Expo.”

A particularly large contingent had made the trek from the Caddies’ hometown of Rumford. They competed with the raucous crowds supporting Glory Trap and Second Choice, though the general atmosphere was fairly all-inclusive and non-competitive. This was illustrated when Second Choice vocalist Billy Libby entreated the crowd before their second-to-last tune. “We need you to move around for this one, ” he said. “I don’t care if you’re Glory Trap fans or Jinxed fans, we need you to help us rock this one.”

Last year’s winners, Jeremiah Freed, were scheduled to play, but a case of laryngitis relegated them solely to passing-the-torch duties after an acoustic set by members of Ransom. Freed announced Pawn Shop Caddies as the winners, handing over the $1000 check that comes with the prize. The Caddies’ reaction?

“We’re going to Disney World,” exclaimed bassist Tom LeClerc.