Rock Bands You Should Know #3: Lines of Loyalty

 Lines of Loyalty is a regional band that I stumbled onto after seeing them at a recent show opening for Sevendust and Static-X in Clive, Iowa. They're a three-piece band that hasn't been around for very long, but they've developed a small, loyal following. I think they're meant for great things. 

The group was originally known as Mixed Company. They've been using the Lines of Loyalty moniker since 2021. The current lineup consists of drummer/percussionist Shane Madsen, bassist/keyboardist Redo Ianni, and singer/guitarist Nubz Morrison. Morrison has been quoted as having said that the concept of loyalty is essential, after having been burned by people in the past. Lines of Loyalty calls Kenosha, Wisconsin home. 

Lines of Loyalty worked with my friend Chris Dawson (former Seasons After rhythm guitarist) in writing and recording songs for their full-length album Hurts to be Human, which was released earlier this year. The title track and singles such as "I'm Not the One" and "My Addiction" are well worth checking out. They have good onstage energy for a three-piece band and it's easy to see that they feed off of crowd interaction. I highly recommend checking them out if they're playing in your area. Maybe we'll get to see them again when the next leg of the Sevendust/Static-X tour kicks off in February.

Well, that's all for now. Next time, I'll write about Wolfgang Van Halen's band Mammoth WVH, who I just saw live in concert at First Avenue in downtown Minneapolis a few weeks back. Until then, have a great week, everyone!

Bullies versus Nerds, or Modern American Politics

 By the time most of us have been in grade school for a few years, we're either a bully or a nerd. I was definitely never a bully. I was smart, skinny and started wearing glasses in 5th grade. I was bullied by a few kids and I had friends who were bullied. The funny thing is that some of us never really grow out of those stereotypes.

I've been watching the current state of U.S. politics lately and that last statement definitely seems true. From my viewpoint, it appears that most of the MAGA Republicans are the bully types, whereas the Democrats are the nerds. I'm not saying that's necessarily true of all current American politicians of course, but the parallels are striking. It seems like Donald J. Trump and many of his disciples think that it's okay to try to push people around to get their way, because they know that their Democratic counterparts won't make much of an effort to stand up for themselves or oppose them. 

I know that there are some strong Democrats, Independents and others who see right through the MAGA bullshit. I really don't know why anyone would continue to support a guy who lied 30,573 times during his presidential term, attempted to incite an insurrection after losing his re-election bid, was recently found liable for sexual assault and is currently in court on charges of vastly overestimating the values of multiple business properties. 

I don't hear a lot of noise from very many Democrats these days. I think that more of them should speak up and take proactive stances against the Republican rhetoric. There are some positive strides being made, such as in this week's anti-abortion wins at the polls in some states. However, there's a lot more work that needs to be done. We can't just sit idly by and let Republicans continue to give tax cuts to the wealthy and corporations, while attempting to cut Social Security and Medicare and do nothing to assist veterans, teachers, the working class and others who are simply struggling to survive in the age of high prices and corporate greed.

I don't pretend to have all the answers, but it sure would be nice if both sides would actually forgo their differences and work together to resolve many of the issues that are regular topics on the evening news. If they can't get over the bully and nerd stereotypes, it might just be time to throw them all out and start all over. No lobbying, no special interests, no nonsense. That could really make America great again.

Well, that's all I have for now. Until next time, have a great weekend, everyone!