Collegiate Times

Alternative rock fans will be thrilled to know that Brand New will have their eclectic rock sound bouncing off the walls of the Commonwealth Ballroom tonight.

Brand New may not be played all over the radio or frequent MTV, but they still have a huge following among Indie-rock music lovers.

The band was formed in 2000 in Merrick, N.Y. by Jessie Lacey, lead vocalist, guitarist and lyricist, drummer Brian Lane, guitarist Vin Accardi and bassist Garrett Tierney.

Since releasing their first album "Your Favorite Weapon" in 2002, Brand New has toured with bands such as Taking Back Sunday, Good Charlotte, Less Than Jake, New Found Glory, Glassjaw, Incubus, Dashboard Confessional and Finch.

Critics hail Brand New for being able to digress and produce a different sound with each album. "Your Favorite Weapon" deals with issues in youth. Two years later, the band released "Deja Entendu," with a slower, more polished sound with deeper lyrics.

In late 2006, their anticipated third album "The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me" was released. The album was a departure from their first two, bringing a much different sound.

Abby Schoenfeld, VTU public relations director and sophomore management major, is a loyal fan of Brand New.

"Pretty much, when I think of Brand New, I think of a band that I have really grown up with and who is able to create something more than just music," Schoenfeld said.  

"They aren't afraid to take a risk with their sound and go in the direction they want and try new things, which they did with 'The Devil and God Are Raging Inside Me.' I have talked to a lot of Brand New fans who say they are disappointed with the new album and don't really even listen to it, which I don't understand. Brand New has been around for seven years and have come such a long way."

With the "Devil and God," Brand New takes on self-criticism and internal exploration, as opposed to their previous two albums that tend to examine the world around them.

Some fans like the new stuff, some prefer the old. Either way, Brand New still has a strong following.

"VTU's overall goal is to entertain as many students as possible by having a wide variety of genres throughout the year. This will be a cool concert because this isn't your normal 'pop' or radio band. Brand New is an alternative rock band that, despite not being all over the radio, still has a huge draw and appeal to Virginia Tech students," said David Silberstein, director of VTU Rocks.

Brand New is one of those bands that doesn't need gimmicks to remain popular. In 2003, the Alternative Press reader's poll rated Brand New as artist of the year.

"I have seen Brand New about six times and have never been disappointed; their passion and intensity comes through in every song," Schoenfeld said.

"I will never forget standing next to my best friend at the NorVa, crammed in a sold-out crowd, and in pitch black, singing 'I'm gonna stay 18 forever, so we can stay like this forever.' Simply put, and as corny as it sounds, Brand New concerts make memories."

See Brand New perform in the Commonwealth Ballroom tonight at 8 p.m.