Hadrian's Wall adds diversity to music scene
Date 3/17/2005 12:00 AM | Topic: Arts & CultureFor over a year, Hadrian's Wall - comprised of Wes Matres, Charles Capistrant ('05), Mohammed Yasir ('05), Patrick Noonan ('05) and Michael Buchan ('05) - has entertained crowds with over a dozen shows, including a recent performance at Americana Grille.
Ben Sacquitne ('05), attended the Americana performance.
"They rock," Sacquitne said. "It's such a nice alternative to all of these other student performers. You know, the white boy playing his acoustic guitar, trying to be like Dave Matthews."
Jerry Dean, the owner of Americana was also impressed by the group.
"[The concert] was very good. It was the first time for them [performing at Americana]," he said.
Dean found out about the band through Phil Bear ('06) and Zach Zubow ('06), regular performers at Americana.
Combining a wide variety of influences, Hadrian's Wall has a unique sound of their own.
"I'm very influenced by grunge," said Yasir, the band's bass guitarist.
Yasir also draws influences from growing up in Pakistan.
"It's very different," said Yasir. "Not the popular [music], but the classical. It's such an acquired taste."
Noonan said, "I grew up listening to Rock 108. I listened to a lot of hard rock. There's also some Celtic influences there, but I don't know where it's from or why."
Stephanie Mock ('05), who's seen Hadrian's Wall perform three times said, "They have a good rock sound. The violin adds a unique sound that you don't hear with other Luther bands."
Over the last year, Hadrian's Wall has developed a close following.
"We have a crowd," said Yasir.
"They're mostly our friends, though," said Noonan.
"They're fun though. They're full of energy, love and good tastes," said Yasir.
Dean said that the Americana performance drew between 100 to 150 people throughout the night.
"[The crowd] enjoyed the concert. They came for the band," said Dean.
Erika Borgerson ('07) is a self-proclaimed groupie.
"They have a unique sound and they're good. [Buchan] is awesome on the violin," said Borgerson.
Yasir credits the band's unique flavor to its diversity.
"Pat's Irish. Chuck's French. Buchan's Polish. I'm Pakistani. That's a lot of diversity and I think people enjoy that," said Yasir.
Dean said that the band was more than welcome to play at Americana again.
"We'll be playing at the Haymarket again and probably Camp Out and maybe Americana," said Yasir.
After graduation, the band hopes to stay together.
"Hopefully, we'll all play in Minneapolis after graduation," said Noonan.
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Ryan Nilsestuen
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