On a cold night in November, local band This is Exploding celebrated their one year anniversary of being a band at the Grog Shop, and the place was packed.  Opening band, Shade, who are from PA, played a mellow set that echoed Radiohead, but with more pop appeal.  Second was Mint, who's appearance might've deceived you.  This band was great, playing pop songs in the vein of early 90's alternative groups.  Then, before This is Exploding took the stage, Solo Flyer played.  This band features members of the now defunct Lake County hardcore band, Chalkline.  Their overly energetic set was a bland mix of annoying new school punk and 70's rock.  They were the only low moment of the evening.

Finally, the hosts of the party, this is exploding, took the stage.  They were in full party mood, passing out cake and party hats throughout the evening.  They were gracious, and began to rock through an amazing high energy set.  Drummer Dan Price provided the most energy, banging his set with power and emotion.  Their singer, Josh Jesty, has a powerful voice.  It reminded me of Mineral's singer, but louder.  The rest of the band is rounded out by bassist Brian Hill and guitarist Nick Tolar, whose riffs were reminiscent of early Weezer. 

The band played 12 songs.  An "oldie," called "Covered In Gasoline" was quite catchy.  Jesty's voice hit high mode, in a style similar to Dan Wilson of Semisonic.  The bass heavy breakdown was a nice touch.  The band received great reception from the crowd.  At one point, an audience member yelled "that was a GOOD song, " a comment that drew lots of laughs from the band and the crowd.  Their stage presence was good, explaining the songs and their meanings.  Other highlights included "Better", a song from their latest EP, a new one with Queens Of The Stone Age-like riffage called "Drive", and "Stop", which the band said was "about being angry," and would appear on an upcoming album they will record in January.

This is Exploding are a promising band.  It's hard to find a band this good in Cleveland.  They are talented and diverse.  To sum up their sound for people who've never heard them, I'd say Hum meets Weezer.  However, there are all kinds of great influences pumping through this band.  This was an occasion to celebrate, and hopefully we'll have many more.  If this band doesn't make it, then the human race is deaf.  (Eddie Fleisher)