Feature / Music
MACRoCk 2008

Words: Cory • Posted pre-2010

American Tourist | Antlers | The Catalyst | Cloak/Dagger | Furnace | Government Warning | Mild Winter | Police and Thieves | Punch You in the Face Big! | Savage Land

The Catalyst

http://www.myspace.com/thecatalyst

Scene Point Blank: I could be wrong but I believe this is the first time The Catalyst has played MACRoCk. What are your expectations for the event?

The Catalyst: It's true, we've never played, but we've been to more than a few of them between us. We were bummed that it didn't come together last year, but we think it rules that this year will be a more regionally focused, DIY-oriented sort of event.

Scene Point Blank:What bands are you looking forward to seeing this year?

The Catalyst: This year is going to rule so hard. Everyone should check out Ingrid, from D.C., who are one of our new favorite bands. Also, we're stoked to see Order, Pygmy Lush, and Tideland, as well as the fantastic cross-section of RVA bands playing this year, including Antlers, Snack Truck, Cloak/Dagger, Hot Lava, Lord By Fire, Government Warning, Swamp Thing, and more.

Scene Point Blank:Besides the music, what you looking forward to the most at MACRoCk?

The Catalyst: Seeing old friends, meeting new ones. Hanging out. El Charro.

Scene Point Blank:What are your thoughts on the punk/independent scene in Harrisonburg? It's always seemed like a little unknown gem to me, but I'm obviously a bit biased on that front.

The Catalyst: Most of what I know about Harrisonburg in the past comes either from my high school Spanish teacher or the Lovitt Records DVD. It definitely seems like there's been a disproportionate amount of great bands coming out of there over the years. Being in Richmond, just a few hours away, has made Harrisonburg a sweet spot for day trips. We've had some great times at the Crayola House, I think everyone probably has. The town has a great vibe, and great potential still. Although I couldn't talk bad about it even if I wanted to, Virginia is for lovers.

Scene Point Blank: What's going on in the Catalyst camp in the future? I understand a tour in Europe?

The Catalyst: We'll be touring Europe from April 11th to May 11th with our good friends The Kidcrash, from Olympia, WA. Before that, Paul over at Perpetual Motion Machine is releasing a thirteen-song CD collection of our songs from the split LP with Mass Movement of the Moth, the split 7" with Brainworms, and last year's Marianas Trench EP. Everything's been remixed and re-mastered and it sounds monstrous. That should be out the weekend of March 25th, in time for MACRoCk and the tour. We've been writing a lot of new music, and we're planning on recording a new full-length sometime in 2008. In August, we'll be hitting the road for a few weeks with our perennial homeboys Antlers, taking us just across the Mississippi River and back.

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