Local hardcore stalwarts Graves of the Endless Fall last performed together in 2013. I am happy to say that lengthy drought is coming to an end. 

The band will join forces once again on Saturday, Oct. 2, for a performance at 2411 South Wayne Ave. It has been difficult to get the guys together in recent years with guitarist Adam Walker now living in Seattle. However, when the rest of the band discovered Walker was coming through town for a visit, it made sense to get the boys together. 

For one night only, Walker, vocalist John Cheesebrew, bassist Justin Weiks, drummer Adam Lewis, and guitarist Eric Rutkowski will do what they do best: melt faces, which is something the band was known for doing since their formation back in 2002. 

The show will get under way at 7 p.m. and will include performances by Parastic Twins, Deathtax, and Dipt. Surprisingly, with all that craziness, it will cost you only $5. 

“We should have some Graves cassettes for sale that evening, and possibly new shirts,” Rutkowski said. “There is also the possibility of a couple new Graves tunes in the future, since long distance recording isn’t such a hurdle these days.” 

So not only will we see Graves of the Endless Fall live again, but maybe somewhere down the road we could feast our ears on new material. Exciting times!

On a Graves of the Endless Fall side note, other than Adam Walker (the Seattle guy), everyone else is currently in the band Burial Party with the addition of guitarist Dan Kinnaley. Burial Party are also getting ready to record a handful of songs for the follow-up to their amazing Please, Electric Move Slow. As of right now, they have four or five new songs with the possibility of more to come. 

El Camino Hot Tub Seeks New Singer

The recent El Camino Hot Tub performance at downtown’s PNC Plaza marked the last show for vocalist Topher Beyer who is stepping aside for fatherhood duties and to focus time on his other outfit The Paper Heart

El Camino Hot Tub is currently in search of a new singer and will be taking the rest of the year to refine their sound and search for someone that fits just right. 

As for The Paper Heart, Beyer said they will perform the Muddy Roots Concert Series at Promenade Park on Wednesday, Sept. 29, and are hitting Heartache Studios to begin recording a new album. 

“The band has really taken a lot of time to develop its sound this past year, and we have been really pouring our thoughts and feelings into the songwriting process,” Beyer said. “We are really proud of the direction the sound is moving.” 

I’m definitely looking forward to see what the future holds for both bands. 

In addition, you can catch Beyer solo at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 17, at Kekionga Craft Company for the Summit City Songwriter Showcase along with Adam Baker, Jill Jugloff, and Matt Swick

Strange Waters Album

With a recent performance at Rock the Plaza, Strange Waters is back! In fact, the surf rockers are set to release a new 10-track album, Deep Dive, on Sept. 24. 

According to the band, the album was recorded in an unnamed studio in a classified location. Listeners can expect more of what they love about Strange Waters in this album: Classic surfy sounds with a distinctive modern edge. 

Although there are no plans for any physical copies yet, the album will be available on all major streaming platforms. Your chance to hear the new numbers live will be on Thursday, Sept. 30, when they perform at The Ruin along with Daikaiju and Exterminate All Rational Thought

New Folk Rock Band

Caledonia is a new folk-rock band in the Fort to keep your eyes on. The band has their nose to the grindstone with writing and creating music. They currently have a four-song EP, The Bedroom Sessions, available on Bandcamp. You can catch them live on Saturday, Sept. 25, at The Ruin.

Men and Women of rock 

If you plan to attend the Hairball show at The Clyde on Friday, Sept. 17, you best get there on time. That’s due to our beloved woman rockers Whoa, Man! opening the show at 8 p.m. 

Honestly, I can’t think of a better band to do so. We’ll not only be celebrating iconic women of rock, but we’ll also have a bombastic celebration of arena rock with Hairball. Rumor has it, Whoa, Man! has some new merch, so bring a few extra bucks with you.