With the end of the schoolyear fast approaching, students will soon be finished with roughly nine months’ worth of hard work and perseverance. Other than a summer vacation and, at best, a diploma to be received at a later date, there isn’t much in the way of a tangible reward for the efforts of New Mexico’s academics. But there is one substantial exception to this phenomenon of callous disregard for scholars across the state: The College of Santa Fe’s Quadstock, which will feature Cambodian pop-rock sextet Dengue Fever as well as four other rock acts, is set to descend upon the CSF Quad on Saturday, May 5. What follows is a brief description of the event lineup that should help inform quadstocker’s auditory expectations. Dengue Fever : Take clear-cut pop ambiance, the psychedelia of the Farfisa organ and the earthy, weightless vocals of lead singer Chhom Nimol and you’ve got L.A.’s up-and-coming Dengue Fever. Drawing from traditional influences such as Cambodia’s own singer/songwriter Sinn Sisamouth, as well as more contemporary artists like Blondie, the band has fashioned a sound that’s enigmatic yet familiar. Griffin House: Griffin House (one man, not a band or a dwelling) was recently dubbed by VH1’s Senior Vice President one of the five best new singer/songwriters in the U.S. One listen to Griffin’s Bruce Springsteenish folk-rock and it’s easy to see why. House’s songs have an around-the-campfire feel and a good natured honesty that make them easy to get along with. Rose’s Pawn Shop: Boozy, bluesy bluegrass from Southern California, Rose’s Pawn Shop stays sweet even when the lyrics smack of defeat. After a hard day at the office (or on the farm) a quick listen to this country-fried five-piece is more than enough to get you back on your feet and two-stepin’. Sons of William: Classic rock ’n’ roll and girl/boy harmonies make up the engine that drives the Sons of William, which benefits immensely from Son Jen Jan’et’s backing vocals. SOW brandishes spit-shined, stripped-down melodies and has a true knack for the classic rock homage.
The show will also include a performance by the as-yet-to-be-crowned winner of the CSF Battle of the bands. You can buy tickets to Quadstock for $10 in advance by visiting the CSF Greer Garson Box Office or by calling (505) 473-6511.
