The Breeze, James Madison University, Feb 3, 2003

You need an alternative for Thursday nights
Teen siblings on brink of stardom rock College Center
by Ashley Lusk / staff writer

An excited audience member screamed into her cell phone as the trio justincase did their sound check.

"Megan - guess what? They're like, three feet in front of me. Can you hear that? That's him!"

Maggie Shaver, 16, from Fairfax, drove two hours to hear her favorite band perform at the College Center Thursday night. Nearly 60 others were in attendance as Justin, Nick and Hannah Tosco gave a powerhouse performance during "Every Thursday Late-Night Music" sponsored by University Program Board. The Tosco siblings, best known as justincase, gave an outstanding performance, showcasing both old and new songs.

Justin, the lead singer and poster-child for the band, sweetly sang the lilting notes of his own lyrics. He was very generous to his bandmates, often moving so that the audience could catch a better glance. In addition, he often gave the spotlight to his brother and sister, showcasing each of their talents to the audience.

Nick, the band's drummer, laid down a steady, hardcore beat and became the comic relief throughout the show, telling jokes and flashing the audience with a boyish smile.

However, the audience seemed to agree that Hannah, the youngest of the group, was left out of the spotlight. Although she did not sing, Hannah proved herself to have a great stage presence and an amazing talent as the group's bassist. In addition, her style and ability to interact with fans undoubtedly will leave her the possibility of starting her own band.

Each band member's performance style blended as Hannah often could be seen mouthing the lyrics to a song, Justin seemed as though he was singing many of them for the first time and Nick's energy on the drums seemed to jolt through the audience.

According to the band's Web site, www.justincase.com, justincase has classified itself as a rock band - however, its music seemed to come from a much deeper place. The lyrics often told stories of pain and lost love, while the music itself can place the soul into a trance just by listening. Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for their CD, a highly muted version of what they actually can do, proving that seeing them live can create a stronger appreciation for their talents. This music is not pop, just an easy blend of rock, soft-punk and alternative. While they may have pooled elements of other genres of music, justincase is very much their own creation, making them a unique power.

When looking at the band from a concert perspective, the audience is drawn in by Justin, Nick and Hannah's apparent excitement for the music which they sing. The band is a single unit, even moving their bodies in a sometimes identical motion to the beats of the music. There were no traces of sibling rivalry here as the three combined their talents to produce a faultless show.

During the show, justincase performed their first single "Don't Cry for Us" along with a cover of "Jenny 867-5309." JMU alumnus Rick Seamster ('96), the band's tour manager and backup guitarist, also performed with the band and the audience let out a spirited cheer when he played the JMU fight song on his guitar. Later, justincase easily found their way into the hearts of the audience through their graciousness to stay behind and sign numerous autographs and take pictures.

The three revealed what it's like to be at the edge of stardom. Justin, the oldest, said he would have wanted to attend the University of North Carolina in their native state if he wasn't currently with the band. Nick, the middle sibling, would have attended college next year. "I want to go to the University of Florida. I've always wanted to go there."

However, being in the band doesn't change the fact that they are, after all, teenagers. According to the group, they live normal lives - go to the movies, have burping contests (Hannah wins) and attend their proms. "We like doing regular things, I mean, there's not something we don't do just cause we're in a band now," Nick said.

As for the fans, there was a wide variety. Sophomore Guillermo Calica said, "I used to just like them before, but it was awesome. I'm like, their hugest fan now. I would definitely see them again."

Shaver agreed. "It was amazing. It couldn't be better, especially now that I've seen them in person."

Junior Gabby Revilla, UPB director of media and public relations, agreed that the performance was a success.

"It was great to see so many people out on a Thursday night, just to come and enjoy the music.

They're great kids and it was our pleasure to come and have them play here for free," she said.

The band, much livelier in person than on its CD, quickly will make its way into the new forum of singers who put on a great show without all the special effects. Fully proving itself, justincase rocked the College Center with no disappointments. It will be just a matter of time before this fun-loving band also is rocking the airwaves.

For more information about justincase, visit its Web site at www.justincase.com