Sunday, September 15, 2002, at 8 o’clock sharp, in the cafeteria of a community college in Roanoke, Virginia…lots of rowdy, riotous kids (probably all under the age of 17), a few college kids, some punks, some emo kids, and even some death-metal fans comprised the crowd.

The Roanoke based indie rock band, also known as The K Word (ex Falls Version), and Legends of Rodeo, a south Florida rock n roll band is currently touring on the indie scene with the Roanoke-based indie rock band, also known as The K Word (ex Falls Version). With Tom Petty influences, cowboy boots and tight jeans, Legends of Rodeo would undoubtedly steal the show.

The K Word, playing last, had trouble matching the performance of their predecessor, Legends of Rodeo. The vocals were weak; and ironically, the mics blew after the second song. On that note, the band proceeded playing the instrumental versions of their songs.

The sound of The K Word is difficult to describe. Is it emo? Punk rock? Or an artistic expression that no one else understands but the band themselves? Their best song was “Diction” (pre-mic fiasco), and a definite crowd-pleaser. Even though their effort was respectable, I can’t say that I particularly enjoyed their set. However, everyone should give it up for Adam Baber, who tore it up on the drums.

Legends of Rodeo were sophisticated in their sound. Think of a faster, more intense Wilco. Think whiskey shots in a dark bar. Think gritty, scratchy vocals, guitar players that are more fun to watch than listen to and drummers with tight rhythms who can spin their drumsticks in the middle of a fill. Legends of Rodeo had impressive enthusiasm, solid songs, and best of all, a crowd that loved them.