One Bassist to Save Fargo’s Grunge

By Kristine Kostuck
Contributing Writer

One thing often overlooked in the mainstream music scene is the death of butt-rock and the grunge movement that replaced it. Where do I start? Loud drumming, heavy riffs and slow tempos, there is nothing so wonderful.

Many would agrue that this genre was squished by its own creation emo music. Whatever the reason or even if emo stemmed from grunge is irrelevant. The few mainstream bands that topped the charts in the 90s inspired radio rock djs across the state to stick with their band’s music over the airwaves. I can’t remember the last time I turned on the radio and didn’t hear Bush, Alice in Chains, Stone Temple Pilots, and of course Nirvana. However, Fargo-Moorhead is lucky enough to have its own form of grunge, “The Decomposeurs.”

I will try to not to label them—after all, I just know what my ears like. But with the “Alternative Press” saying that they sound like “Nirvana” I think it is a pretty safe assumption that this group knows its roots. Brock Ashmore, the lead singer and guitarist of the band, describes them as very different from Nirvana, as having a sense of energetic euphoria through their hard-hitting live shows and their self-released recordings. This euphoria was inspired by bands such as Sonic Youth, Pixies, Television, and Bill Hicks.

“The Decomposeurs” have been around for about ten years now, and have recently slowed their stage appearances down a bit after touring the country, playing Sturgis and playing at almost every venue in Fargo. They also have been on the hunt for a new bass player, after their bassist quit to concentrate on his degree. The band’s remaining members are Ashmore and Blake Plankers, on drum and backing vocals.

The group is hoping to play for us again by April of this year. However, this break will only last longer if they cannot find a bassist. If you are interested in playing with them, their check out their myspace and facebook pages, send the guys a message and go from there. The group has been looking for their new member for the past month.

I hope we can see this group on stage by the spring, just so grunge is kept alive, more than just the same Stone Temple Pilot songs we hear on the radio. “The Decomposeurs” seem to be our last hope of that, at least in the Fargo- Moorhead area.

Questions and comments: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)