Charlotte Observer, November 1, 2002

Hitting big-time hasn't gone to teen band's head
by TONYA JAMESON

Despite performing with stars like Michelle Branch on Nickelodeon's "All That" and traveling to Spain, Justin, Nick, and Hannah Tosco aren't full of themselves.

At a packed, in-store performance at Manifest Discs & Tapes on Tuesday, the three cracked on each other and played the music they love.

It was the CD release party for justincase's self-titled Maverick debut, but it was also a gathering of friends and family-and a chance for the Tosco siblings to thank the people who've supported them.

Fans ranged from college-age girls in hip-huggers to grade-school boys and girls walking around with their parents.

Justin didn't have a voice, and no amount of tea or throat spray could rescue his high notes. Still, the group performed with fervor, unveiling polished versions of old gems, including "What I Wouldn't Do" and "Constellation", and debuting new favorites such as "9:14" and "Letter".

After the 30-minute set, they signed CDs and posed for pictures for more than two hours. Then they met with friends and family at the Evening Muse for what felt like a Tosco Music Party.

Several of their dad's guitar students performed a song each, Justin sang a solo with guitar and harmonica, Weekend Excursion's Sam Fisher sang, and so did justincase's attorney, Ken Abdo. But, Nick was the show-stopper. Accompanied by Justin on guitar and the band's rhythm section, he sang Jimmy Eat World's "The Middle". It was fun like afternoons in the Tosco's living room. It's good to know some things don't change.