April showers bring May power: X103’s annual concert festival, May Day, is scheduled for Saturday, with returning bands as well as some new, up-and-coming musicians. Written and compiled by Renny Logan

SHINEDOWN

Established:
2001
Members:
Eric Bass (Bass, Piano, Vocals), Barry Kerch (Drums), Zach Myers (Guitar), Brent Smith (Vocals)
Recent singles:
“Second Chance,” “Devour”
Latest CD:
“Sound of Madness”
The 411:
Originally categorized loosely as “emo rock,” with debut “Leave a Whisper” and its follow-up, “Us and Them,” Shinedown intensified its sound with “Sound of Madness.” Hints of the band’s new direction could be heard on “Us and Them,” but now the group’s hard-rock sound pounds proudly through its recent release. With that said, hopefully the members have stepped up their live performance since their last appearance with May Day in 2005. Though their performance was enjoyable in the moment, the memory of it faded with the transition to the next band.

Each of Shinedown’s CDs provide good solid mainstream rock for listeners, but a look at the overall picture reveals a bumpy transition between releases and a lack of direction. With the release of “Sound of Madness,” the band flaunts a new sense of confidence and purpose, revealing hope for its music to come.

HALESTORM

Established:
1997
Members:
Arejay Hale (Drums), Lizzy Hale (Vocals, Guitar), Joe Hettinger (Guitar), Josh Smith (Bass)
Recent singles:
“I Get Off”
Latest CD:
“Halestorm”
The 411:

Despite the band’s formation 12 years ago, until recently it gained little acknowledgement. Having recently completed a tour with Disturbed, the support of the well-recognized band might merit Halestorm more attention than previously. Halestorm’s self-titled debut just released at the end of last month. The band gives an entertaining live performance, but fails to inspire any lasting interest. The highlight of its last stop in Indy was when the entire band lined up to play percussion, a whole three minutes out of the 20-minute performance.

SAVING ABEL

Established:
2004
Members:
Scott Bartlett (Guitarist), Blake Dixon (Drums), Jason Null (Guitarist), Eric Taylor (Bassist), Jared Weeks (Vocals)
Recent singles:
“18 Days,” “Addicted”
Latest CD:
“Saving Abel”
The 411:
This new group has rapidly gained recognition in just five years. But the band fails to impress, falling into the muddled, undifferentiated quagmire that includes Buckcherry, Hinder, Theory of a Deadman and others. While the first two remain mildly original lyrically, the rise of bands like Saving Abel, who mimic sound and lyrics, has already grown tiresome. X103’s incessant repetitions of the Saving Abel’s hits suggest the band’s popularity regardless of originality.

DISTURBED

Established:
1997
Members:
Dan Donegan (Guitars/Electronics), David Draiman (Vocals), John Moyer (Bass), Mike Wengren (Drums)
Recent singles:
“Indestructible,” “Inside the Fire”
Latest CD:
“Indestructible”
The 411:
As far as live performance goes, Disturbed always provides entertainment, pulsing its music through the speakers and into the veins of its captive listeners. Frontman David Draiman hypnotizes through use of his arresting stage presence. Audience members fall under his spell, following his commands like a subconscious twitch. Away from the mike, he speaks meekly, calm in a Nirvana-like state. The stage ignites him and, as a result, his audience is captivated in the flames. Without such a powerful frontman, the band’s performance has the potential of being forgettable. Having well-established its standing in the current hard-rock mainstream, the band gets plenty of air-play on X103 and always makes a stop in Indy. The band has evolved well since their debut, “The Sickness.”

Also Featured:

SINCE OCTOBER

Established: 2005
Members: Ben Graham (Vocals), Luke Graham (Guitar), Audie Grantham (Drums), Josh Johnson (Bass)
Recent singles: “Guilty”
Latest CD: “This is My Heart”

PEOPLE IN PLANES

Established: 2000
Members: Kris Blight (Bass), Gareth Jones (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards), John Maloney (Drums), Pete Roberts (Guitar, Backing Vocals), Ian Russell (Keyboards)
Recent singles: “Last Man Standing”
Latest CD: “Beyond the Horizon”