Issue date: 9/22/04 Section: Arts

In the early-1990s, Quicksand defined the genre of post-hardcore. Breaking away from the standard formula from the hardcore scene they came from, Quicksand introduced a new groove and melody to a tiring genre, becoming one of the most underrated, yet influential bands of the '90s.

Being the main songwriter for such an important band (let's not forget Gorilla Biscuits and Rivals Schools) it's no question that Walter Schreifels' latest project has been met with much anticipation from his diehards. After the mysterious disappearance and break up of Rival Schools, fans have been left to wonder what Walter has been up to these past couple years.

Walking Concert is his answer. His latest effort may come as a shock to those expecting the second-coming of Quicksand, or even Rival Schools for that matter, but in no way does it disappoint.

Walking Concert has been a project in the works for the past year or so, going through a few different names and lineups, but Walter and the gang have finally put together an incredible debut with "Run To Be Born." What Walking Concert delivers is a record full of jangly, catchy rock, a far cry from the groove filled post-hardcore that Walter had created with Quicksand a decade earlier.

And where Rival Schools was more on the indie rock tip, Walking Concert breaks into a territory that has a major '60s British pop influence. It's obvious that with age, Walter has mellowed out and seems to have had his Faces and Who records in heavy rotation lately.

The opening track and single "What's Your New Thing?" has an opening guitar riff that nods to the Who's "Substitute" and then breaks into a catchy melody and a chorus that will have you singing along the second time it comes around.

"Run to Be Born" is filled with two to three minute pop songs and a few even quicker jams such as "But You Know...It's True." The title track "Run To Be Born" an ode to a girl all too caught up in fame, has a definite "Sgt. Pepper" feel to it, while "Studio Space" is a straight rocker dedicated to the art of recording. Walter is also not afraid to reveal his influences with a cover of T.Rex's "Mustang Ford."

On "Animals" Walter shares with us his love for a day at the amusement park with his girl and on the Weezer-esque "Hands Up!" He deals with the issue of being robbed singing, "Thieves took my prized possessions/Right when I wasn't looking...They got in through the window/And left before we got home/But they won't get me down/cause they can't take away my sound."

Despite differing from his previous work, Walter's unmistakable, unique voice and the slightest hint of his signature guitar style are still present on Run. Also, the lyrics and overall themes within the record are much more fun and light-hearted than previous Schreifels material.

There is nothing musically ground-breaking going on here, but "Run To Be Born" proves to be an amazingly catchy pop record and Walking Concert definitely has the potential to blow up.

Walking Concert play the Middle East Upstairs Monday Oct.18.

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