From Tech Independent Blacksburg, VA by Mani Alagarsamy February 10, 1994 --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Water's Edge I walked into their house, they seemed relaxed, nothing like the elite music types, just a group of guys. They seemed a bit nervous, I guess they don't get much press coverage, but nevertheless the impression I received was overwhelming goog, I felt at ease, I'm sure they did as well after awhile their quick, calm responses was obviously based on some pre- meditated thought, but I feel that there aren't too many bands like theirs around these days, too put it bluntly, I liked them. The band is Watershed, comprised (left to right) Ken Teodoro on bass, Andrew Woltman, guitarist and vocals, Dan Gutwein, drummer, and John Haramis, guitarist and vocals. They play around town. You might have heard about their victory at a Battle of the Bands last year at Buddy's. They went up against Rhythm Method and Raging Frogs. They won, even though they were added at the last minute. It turned out the Rock 105 judges thought they deserved a break, and rightfully so. With their victory, they got the chance to buy some studio time and lay down a demo, a wonderful collage of "straightforward, catchy, college music," says Andrew. Their influences include the Beatles, Matthew Sweet, the Connells, and the Gin Blossoms. Their hip, pop-rock sound resound through their originals and their covers. A musical style that is undoubtedly on the rise. Their set is comprised of about 50% covers and 50% originals, but it is obvious that the band hopes to drop covers from their set, not because they don't like the bands they are playing, but because they don't want to be known as a cover band, but why play covers at all? Well, when they play fraternities, they say, people expect covers. But they hope that by the fall they will have written ten more originals boosting their percentage to 80% originals. "It's hard to find people who like originals," says John, "Yeah, you have to get them in with alcohol, and toss in some originals." The originals will help their club scene, hopefully allowing to play on the par of established local bands that play 100% original sets. They have little animosity toward these bands because their own diverse crowd pleases them, but they too are in search of a core group of fans. "There is a wide variety of fans that come out, some people wearing cowboy boots and people dressing in black..." says Andrew. "But I'd like to see what are group looks like," adds Dan. The band started out in Blacksburg about a year ago. Their first show was with Biohio last January, and their support has been building ever since. They began with mostly covers, and gradually began building their originals. It is just a matter of time before Blacksburg wises up and heads out. Because in my opinion this band would meet some mass appeal. If you like Matthew Sweet and other alternapop bands, this band is right down your alley. The major impression I got from the band is one of reminiscence. "There's no [music] scene, there used to be...," says John. The band then began naming bands I have never heard of, but they spoke of these muscians so fondly, it made me wonder what Blacksburg has come to when a band feels the necessity to play covers to get exposure. This is why you should head out and check out this band, and give them a break, it is music you will enjoy, for a price you will probably like. They play Saturday at the Teke barn, and February 18th at Pedro's for all you clubsters. Or if you like recorded music, they are trying to press a CD over spring break and they already have a tape, but I encourage you to check them out live.