by Kate Crofts
Daily Lobo
Here's an interesting oxymoron - punk rock pianist.
It's not traditional, but it works, as UNM students will be able to see for themselves tonight when Something Corporate appears in the SUB Ballroom.
A piano-playing front man is a far cry from the stereotypical punk rocker - the pierced, tattooed anarchist screaming his condemnations of society to a hormonally charged teenage audience.
But the same 88-keyed instrument that distinguishes front man Andrew McMahon from his stereotypical counterpart, also separates his band from the standards of modern teen punk and the mediocrity that comes from conformity.
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McMahon, the primary songwriter, has professed Elton John influences along with the band's more traditional punk inspirations like Jimmy Eat World and Ben Folds Five. The result is their debut album Leaving Through the Window (2002).
The album as a whole is a melodic expression of social discontent - the same social discontent that has spewed from the mouths of countless other teen-oriented bands. The title embraces the traditional punk rock theme.
According to an interview with Dave Dalka at www.musicfrisk.com, McMahon said Leaving Through the Window refers to "rebellion in a sense, but things that a lot of us do when we are younger and trying to find our own way."
There is nothing new in Something Corporate's message, only their communication method.
Infusing melody into their punk rock lyrics, Something Corporate is able to lubricate their music and make it more accessible to a wider demographic. The mixture of tormented lyricism with soulful composition means that whether you are a toe-tapper or more of a head banger there are tracks on Leaving Through the Window to identify with and appreciate.
For the easy listening audience, "Cavanaugh Park" is a tender track with pensive lyrics and harmonic accompaniment. McMahon sings, "At Cavanaugh Park/ Where you used to take me to play in the sand/ And said to me son one day you'll be man/ And men can do terrible things."
On the flipside, the teen rockers are also catered to with songs like 'iF yoU C Jordan'; destined for teen movie soundtracks and school corridor recitals. In a complete turn-around, McMahon sings on this track, "Fuck you Jordan/ You make me sick/ High schools over/ I don't care if you die your hair/ You'll always be a red head little bitch."
Tracks like this remind listeners that in spite of obvious musical talent, the band members are still very young. McMahon, guitarist Josh Partington, guitarist William Tell, bassist Clutch and drummer Brian Ireland are not long out of the Southern Californian high school that provided the first stage for the emerging rockers.
In the few short years since their graduation, the band has achieved success at a national level. Picked up by the major punk rock label Drive-Thru, the five friends were given the opportunity to release their debut album and travel the country performing in the Warped Tour, attracting fans with their original music and memorable lyrics.
The music, however, is the driving force of this quintet. Their melodic compositions have the ability to make the five friends transcend a flash-in-the-pan novelty act and become a group respected for their talent and innovation.
With their combined musical ability, Something Corporate needn't worry about leaving through any more windows - surely doors will be opening for them.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $8 for UNM Students, $10 for general admission. Tickets can be purchased at the Bookstore Box Office or at the SUB Ballroom door.
