And as far as anyone can tell, it's still way in the game. With a show on Jan. 10 and another on the 31st (with the ska-based Murphy's Kids and the hip-hop swayed Future) at The Lantern, All Kinds of Gravity condones admiration for what local music there is.

"Awareness and respect for local and semi-regional musicians is key," said vocalist Rob Martinez.

After an interview and airtime on WUVT on Monday, All Kinds of Gravity has its eyes forward with a demo behind them.

"We recorded our last demo at Flat Five studios in Salem, Va., with producer Dave, who did a really great job," Martinez said.

As Blacksburg natives, All Kinds of Gravity is a six-piece progressive band with a blend of hip-hop and rock influences. But above all, the band emphasizes its live show, citing MUSE and Incubus as influences.

"Meshing all these genres' influences is part of our band philosophy," said electric violinist Chris Gustin.

Gustin, a Virginia Tech graduate in creative writing, said he adapted to the band process well. While practicing in the basement of the Lodge, the band comes from familiar circumstances.

"We were all out drinking and our old bass player, as a big guy, came out stumbling," Gustin said. "He fell on his face and said, 'There's all kinds of gravity out there.'"

"Band names are usually a point of contention, but our band name has brought out greater truths as the band progressed, all while alluding to the impossible," said drummer Jeff Fitzgerald.

Fitzgerald, whose brother Kevin is the lead guitarist of the band, flew back from Oregon and dropped right back into the Blacksburg music scene. Both are also part of the local band I Am the Speed of Light.

With the obvious chemistry with his brother, the band bothered bassist Will Angel until he came to a practice, and made use of True Sound's former vocalist KC Moyer.

"KC and True Sound were possibly one of the biggest bands in Blacksburg," Martinez said.

The Fitzgeralds were in a band, and Kevin and Rob had been friends since middle school. Chris worked with Rob and shared his passion for music and his talent in violin.  

 "I started learning blues, faking guitar solos and soon playing rhythm," Gustin said.

Gustin was introduced to the band while working at Boudreaux's. Sound derived from the electric violin fills the air on the band's demo.

"A lot of people add synth or keyboard for no reason," Martinez said. "Chris is really creative, flexible, and always modifying our sound. It's not just changing our sound, it creates depth. The wooden components of the violin echo and resonates our sound as a whole."

"People respond to strings; we're trying to push this variety and create a hybrid sound," Gustin said.

In a town such as Blacksburg, local bands often don't have the luxury and accessibility to promotional resources. All Kinds of Gravity, as so many others, utilizes its own talent for support.

"Our band has been all about self-management and self-promotion, which is the way to go for now. Chris (being in) PR and having graphic design experience within the band really helps out facilitating press for our band," Fitzgerald said. "Compared to other bands, the communication in this band has worked out very well."

Although it's been working now, things haven't always been so accessible -- or as available.

"House shows have unfortunately been diminishing in Blacksburg," Martinez said. "The Dog house, Pirate house, Plop house, Halfway house, and Solar house were all prominent places for house shows, but ever since some very unfortunate accidents, the authorities have broken down on them."

But since 2000, there seems to be exponential growth in the music scene, and a turn toward a liking of jam bands. Although the band formed in December 2007, most are veterans to this environment.

"Ironically, the Blacksburg music scene was at a low point a decade back," Martinez said. "There were a few bands left standing and before The Lantern, most of our members were from older bands. We started booking shows at the Gobbler, Champs and Awful Arthur's, and feel like we're a part of a revival."

Revival must retain that classic essence, and All Kinds of Gravity agree.

"These days, all these bands are getting younger; there's less musicianship and more image. Genuine rock bands like Pearl Jam and Tool are harder to find," said Martinez. "We push for quality music and want to make music that people feel."