BEHIND THE SCENES Moutheater performs while DCPG photographer Ciester dela Cruz shoots the Sound magazine cover.

Who the hell is Moutheater? And why is everyone I know talking about them like they’ve invented an environmentally sound energy alternative and restored America’s economy? They are just a band, right?

Were the term not so criminally outdated and misrepresented, I might even say Moutheater is a “grunge” band with a touch of metal’s antagonism and enough feedback to keep the buzz going. They’re particularly popular, and with a lot of momentum behind them. But what makes them any different than any other local band?

I propose that it’s their work ethic. This is a band devoted to being a band. Instead of griping about lacking venues and opportunities in the Seven Cities, Moutheater keeps their calendar full with shows, tours whenever their jobs allow, has already recorded an EP in Chicago with the legendary Steve Albini and fit right into the Thrashed Records roster. Not too shabby, right?
I also suspect it’s because these guys are loud. No, I mean really loud. And sometimes you just go to a show to get loud and let loose.

Still in their first year, Moutheater has done more than most local bands achieve in their whole careers. And because of that determination, they’ve developed a national fan base and the admiration of their equally loud peers. If they maintain this drive, Moutheater is poised to make that short (but impressive) list of local musicians who’ve “hit it big.” And it seems like that’s what they want.

They’ve definitely worked hard to get it.

Don’t miss our premiere issue of SOUND for Jerome Spencer’s “in-depth analysis of just who these guys think they are, and what it means to our local culture.”