BACKSTAGE PASS ARTICLE MAY 1997
ALTERNATE SOCIETY
After over 125 performances since 1994 ALTERNATE SOCIETY feels they are just hitting their stride. The four member band which has been recently shredding suburban club attendance records is finally getting comfortable with it's latest lineup. Also with the decision to highlight more of their original material, and the rigors of headlining every weekend. Not a bad set of circumstances for a group that spent their first year of existence "touring" McHenry county without leaving. But for this Crystal Lake based unit the last three years worth of "getting it together" are starting to pay off - BIG. Just walk into any of their performances at favorite hot spots like Palatine's Durty Nellie's or Barrington's Penny Road Pub, that is if you can get in.
At first we were going to call the band Key Society. But then with the direction our music was taking we thought the present name would better describe our project," states guitarist John Shanahan. With a set that ranges up to 60% cover material these musicians keep a close eye on what is in heavy rotation on Q101. You'll hear copy versions of tunes from Stone Temple Pilot, Tool, and Rage Against The Machine. Many of their musician friends quiz them about playing so much cover songs, when their focus is really to showcase the original songs they've been working on for so long. "Our feeling is that we draw the large crowds in with the familiar sounds they look for. Then we get to add in our own stuff in front of an appreciative audience who will pay attention to them because they respect us as players. It's much more effective to play 5 originals to 500 people, than 30 to 30 people," John continued.
The four members rehearse at least twice a week, in addition to 2 or 3 shows weekly. Lead singer Tim Capone joined on about a year and a half ago. This being the first real musical outfit he fronted. Chris Hagen, the drummer, came in about the same time after spending time in "The Stanleys", and "Snafu". A butcher by day, this Crystal Lake resident is said to be able to pick up entire songs by ear after just one listening. The rookie of the bunch Aron Van Cleve just signed on in January after resigning from "Velvet Jones". His straight ahead rock groove with this band differs greatly from the funk - slap style he played in previous groups on his Spector bass. John Shanahan fills out the lineup. The original and founding member has been the cornerstone on guitar. The only other band he's performed with called "Anxious" was shortlived. Being a professional graphic artist, he works on the monthly newsletter along with Aron, who also is a graphic artist by trade. The 8 page paper is mailed out to over 700 people on the groups mailing list. The presentation includes upcoming dates, and band tid bits.
Alternate Society has recorded two projects. The first one entitled "Some R Blue" was recorded at Smart Studios in Madison, Wisconsin. The studio is owned by Butch Vig the guitarist from Garbage. The four song cassette sold out of it's 500 copy run. It featured the songs "Drunken Boy", "Etched In Stone", "So Unhappy", and "Some R Blue". The second offering, "Punk Rock Love Song", had a 2000 piece CD pressing, Recorded in downtown Chicago it is also a sellout. Presently the members are shopping studios for their newest recording. Plans include starting the next project this fall. But what will they record? Two standout songs sure to be included are "Love Devils" and "Nightmare".
"Love Devils" is a hard edged - angry song that sort of breaks down in the middle to a slow melodic pace then picks up to a frenzy. Written by Tim and John, it is about the people who come out to the clubs to see their shows but don't give a damn about the music and are only there to try to pick someone up.
"Nightmare" is a real rocker with a flowing groove. It's about the daily regimen we all go through. From waking up in the morning to the various things we must go through. It's dark theme resonates through the lyrics. "Prepare for the worst ... falling into another world ... a new strange chapter is slowly unfurled. I can't explain what's inside my head ... Hysteria of sleep at night in bed ... There is no rest for my soul as I struggle to gain control."
Why spend your money to pay the cover to see these guys? Mr. Shanahan puts it plainly. "Cause it's going to be a room filled with people and energy where you can go and be yourself.. We have an ever changing crowd."
Recently the group invested in their own sound system. After spending half of what they made at each gig on hired sound companies, they pulled their resources and purchased their P.A. from Guitar Center. "We always seem to get the best deals there," they say. The band also travels with their own lighting. If you happen to know of any sound techs looking for a steady job have him contact the band, as they're looking for one now.
With a full calendar of shows already booked it won't be hard to find Alternate
Society playing in a club near you. It'll be nice to go out and see a true local success
story, or as we call 'em here at Backstage Pass, it'll be nice to go out a see some true
Home Town Heroes.
