Jena Berlin
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HQ: Philadelphia, PA NOW PLAYING: Passion Waits As The Program Keeps Going (WATCH THE CITY BURN; watchthecityburn.com) THE STORY SO FAR: Jena Berlin came together in 2003 and promptly began hammering out a unique alloy of post-hardcore-scree ala Texas Is The Reason and Hot Water Music. Despite a gnawing hunger to hit the road, four-fifths of the band first had to make good on a promise to family: Finish college. "Three of us graduated [from Temple University] at the same time but our guitarist [Mark Eble] needed an extra semester [at Rutgers]," says drummer Jeff Meyers. "We decided to tour as a four piece until he graduated." Once Eble had his diploma firmly in hand, however, the complete five-piece made up for lost time and have been touring non-stop since 2005 (check their schedule-they're probably playing down the street from you next week). WHY YOU SHOULD KNOW 'EM: Because Jena Berlin play some of the best hair-on-fire post-hardcore since At The Drive-In became King Crimson. Epitomizing DIY, they're driven by community (the band's name is a nod to Marxist ideals, although the guys aren't communists). They strive to connect with audiences on a level unrestrained by their live set. Translation: Jena Berlin want to play for you and have a drink afterwards. "We don't want to have fans. We want to have friends," says Meyers. "This isn't just about us. Music shouldn't just be all about a band. It's about meeting people in the cities you play and building community." -Casey Lynch YOU LIKE? YOU'LL LIKE: AT THE DRIVE-IN / SMALL BROWN BIKE / HOT WATER MUSIC |
