Fighting the hometown syndrome: Inside Spiral live at Foggy Notions

In musician's circles, it's known as the "hometown syndrome". It's a particular condition whereby a band has little-to-no name recognition or acknowledgement in their hometown, but is recognized and respected in other cities across the country. Treblecharger suffered it for over a decade. In fact, Treblecharger received accolades in just about every centre in the country except their hometown. Even after winning numerous national awards and touring with the likes of the Foo Fighters, they still couldn't get a gig in Sault Ste. Marie.

Treblecharger is finally a recognized name, even in their hometown. For many other local bands with some outside success, the hometown recognition is elusive.

Sault-based metal band Inside Spiral is well on their way to good things nationally - but a relative unknown within their own city. "We are definitely more known in other cities than in our own," says Jonny Fabbro, lead vocalist and guitarist for the band. "We have accomplished a lot in the four years we have been playing, but are still very underrated considering those accomplishments."

Inside Spiral's list of accomplishments is certainly growing. Back in 2002, they won a local Battle of the Bands. In 2004, they won "Best Original Song" at songwriting competitions in Ontario and Michigan. On the heels of that success, Inside Spiral recorded a 4-song demo called "Reach Inside" and began to garner radio airplay across the country - including airplay on cherished 94.5 FM, the modern rock radio commonly referred to as "The Zone." The band even recently competed at the 2005 Canadian Music Week Extreme Band Slam's Regional Awards competition and was named "one of Ontario's premiere unsigned rock outfits."

In spite of the lack of name recognition within Sault Ste. Marie, the band continually pushes forward using what they jokingly refer to as a "jockstrap full of passion." This passion is filtered into the songs that they create. In fact, for Inside Spiral, it is all about the original song. "To tell you the truth, the band has never been interested at all in performing cover songs," says Fabbro. "We have spent the last couple years strongly focusing on writing original music and performing our songs in our hometown and around the surrounding areas. We are an extremely motivated, hard working, and passionate group."

This hard work has helped Inside Spiral create a unique and original sound that combines rock, metal, punk, alternative, jazz and funk. "We try to blend a little of everything so that our style stands out more," says Fabbro. As a unit, this 4-piece are definitely all on the same page. Fabbro is complimented by drummer Ryan Graham, lead guitarist Jordan Koski, and bass player Luke Bygara. "For us, it is all about creating heartfelt, strong music, and binding various styles and influences together to get a raw rock sound," says Fabbro. "We want to please ourselves first, then if other enjoy it or get something positive out of it, it is a true bonus."

If believe in one's self leads to success, Inside Spiral is well on their way to much greater things. "I really believe that as a band we can accomplish great things," says Fabbro.

A band with that sort of conviction that is hard to deny.

Inside Spiral will be showcasing their original music at a special all-ages (but licensed) show at Foggy Notions (on Queen Street) on Wednesday, April 6th. Doors open at 7:00 pm. $5 at the door. Inside Spiral will be supported by local up-and-comers Caveman Morrison and Smeltzer. Smeltzer kicks off the evening performing from 8:00 until 8:45 pm. Caveman Morrison takes on the middle slot performing from 9:00 until 9:45 pm. Inside Spiral closes out the night with a performance from 10:00 until 11:00 pm.