IUP bands 'unplug,' astound

Eight of IUP's top local music artists participated in a competition of acoustic music Friday evening at the annual IUP Unplugged in the Ohio Room.

The two-hour show included 10-minute sets from each group or singer, indicated by a timer on the side of the stage.

First place went to Sinn Fein, who won a guaranteed performance to next year's Unplugged.

Band member Floyd Cocklin describes Sinn Fein's music as "a combination of Bjork and Sepultura." They performed two songs using, along with their usual acoustic guitars, such instruments as the harmonica, bongos and djembe (a type of hourglass-shaped African drum).

"La Chupa Alma" was a solemn, very rhythmic, almost chant-like song that, according to band member Clay Boring, was about the genocide of Native Americans.

"Death to Soiled Butterfly," which Boring described as being "about rebirth for music," was simultaneously melodic and chaotic. Almost entirely instrumental, it featured frantic drumming and occasional screams.

The group, which has been playing at IUP for two years, is well known for its intense, multi-culturally influenced and socially conscious music.

Punk-rock group 154 and metal-influenced alternative rockers Catalyst tied for second place. This performance displayed 154's diversity as musicians, as they adapted four of their original songs in order to play at Unplugged.

"We changed the verses around," guitarist Brice Pierce said. In addition to the use of acoustic rather than electric guitars, bassist Dave Surtasky provided some of the vocals. Vocalist Emily Metro couldn't perform with the band due to illness, and Corey Lunchuck contributed to a performance that was very different from 154's usual style, but nevertheless showed its talent.

Catalyst, not entirely "unplugged" - they used an electric bass guitar - performed two original songs described by band members as "rock and roll." The band cites influences such as Incubus, Snot, Deftones and Gwar.

Third place winners were the Impact Players. The band, which was first to play, performed two original songs. The first one dealt with having an unfaithful girlfriend, while the second was dedicated to "all the lovely ladies in the house 30 and above."

Band members Nate Runkel, Randy Major and Joe Deemer played two acoustic guitars and a bass. Their sound could be described as a mixture of blues and rock, with humorous lyrics. Runkel described IUP Unplugged as "the best showcase of talent at IUP."

A performance by the IUP Drill Team to Christina Aguilera's "Dirty" was featured at the end of the show.