Anchorage Nebraska doesn't seem to care that grunge music is dead. And as good as the Rochester band sounds, neither should you. Every song in Anchorage's catalogue plays like a tribute to its grunge influences. The methodical guitars and distorted noise of "Don't Mind" combine elements of Pearl Jam and Sonic Youth. On "Who Loves the Sun," singer Dusty West's voice howls like a more polished version of Kurt Cobain from Nirvana's Unplugged performance. And on the blunt "Anthem," Anchorage embodies the true spirit of grunge, belting out "Well, Anchorage Nebraska doesn't give a shit. We don't give a shit."
Unlike post-grunge acts such as Shinedown and Nickelback, which have taken aspects of grunge and worked them into what amounts to generic (and annoying) cock rock, Anchorage Nebraska is for grunge purists. The band makes songs without concern for generating mainstream success, which makes them all the more appealing.
For more, check out reverbnation.com/anchoragenebraska.
Live show: 8 p.m. Saturday, June 4, at the Bug Jar, 219 Monroe Ave.; $5 for ages 21 and older; $7 for ages 20 and younger.
