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ShawnZ  contacted me a few times asking if I could stop by the practice spot to take pictures of his new band Overstand which features former members of Charge. "It's heavier and a little different," he told me in a voicemail left on my cell. I was unfortunately unable to make my way down to the space and the first couple of shows. However I was curious to hear what the band emerging from the ashes of Charge sounded like.

I read on thenjscene.com that Overstand would be opening the Wretched Ones show. In hopes of seeing some old friends and checking out Shawn's band, I made a few calls and headed over to Brighton Bar.

When the band was setting up and going through soundcheck, I noticed something a bit different.  Brian's guitar was a bit crunchier than I remembered, drums with double bass pedal, bass had tone not unsimilar to King's X or Yes. This was going to be something significantly different than Charge had ever done.

I was really expecting Charge Part 2. Where the "unannounced" EP left off, Overstand would pick up. But that 's not the case.

Forget the drama that plagued Charge and made everyone hate the band. Forget what you think about Shawn through the internet. Remember that you like solid hardcore/metal/punk inspired by Black Flag, Cro-Mags, Corrosion of Conformity, and Absolution lightly sprinkled with funk and reggae. Not exactly Underdog or Token Entry, but something monsterous and ferocious than you could ever expect from Charge.

Overstand is significantly heavier than I expected. I was accustomed to hearing more of a Rage Against the Machine/Burn/Marley vibe from former members of Charge. Overstand takes its predecessor, puts it aside, and emerges with new energy and direction that will shed new light on some while having others reminisce of their teen-angst greats.

Shawn's stage presence reminded me a bit of Rollins-era Black Flag and a young Ian MacKaye in Minor Threat. Charismatic. Powerful. Emotional. Brian's guitar playing and contrasting background vocals were tight and locked you in. Drums - I don't know where they found this dude but they need to clone him and spread his skills around. Tight and powerful and kept the band on lock. Bass - never got lost in the sound and never overpowered in any section. Good mix of run and fill lines while providing a strong back bone to the rhythm section. Filled the sound nicely when Brian was off on some crazy guitar run.

I've known Shawn for a while and if Overstand were average or a complete bomb I'd say so. That's just the way I am. Those who know me, especially those who are in bands, know I'd tell them what I liked, disklike, or hated about what I just heard or saw. I'd also tell them what I liked, what I think can make them stronger, and wish them the best of luck with their future efforts. I'm glad to say the performance tonight inspired the latter conversation example.

If Overstand can deter itself from being the drama magnet Charge was, eventually they will find themselves among the list of great bands to come from the Jersey Shore.