Seventeen magazine deciphers Amazing Transparent Man’s opaque lyrics in its guide to being “emo.” Apparently being “emo” is the new, exciting trend sweeping the nation.
Being “emo” is to be emotional. For fans to understand the opposite of “emo,” the members of Amazing Transparent Man ask the question the rest of the human population is dying have answered.
“Why do emo kids always have to be so damn sad? Is it something at school or is it your mom and dad? If you’re emo today, will you be emo tomorrow? Or is life just one big f-ing trend?” Amazing Transparent Man inquires in its song “For Christ’s Sake.”
Hailing from DeKalb, Ill., Amazing Transparent Man has swept away pop-punk fans since 1997. Amazing Transparent Man is composed of three men who never use their last names–Rick, vocals/guitar/bass, Tony D., guitar/bass/vocals, and Chris, drums. The band’s first full-length album, “The Measure of All Things,” was released in May 2000 on Springman Records. The album’s success resulted in Amazing Transparent Man packing venues with more than 600 people, as it did in Chicago at The Metro. In summer 2002, Amazing Transparent Man’s members enjoyed a series of dates with the Vans’ Warped Tour, sharing fans with bands including Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory and Thursday.
The band’s most recent album, “The Death of the Party,” has influences of Blink-182 and Green Day, but doesn’t leave fans disappointed. It was also released on Springman Records.
“I truly enjoy ATM’s album, especially ‘Jamie’s Song,’ and can’t wait to see them live this Friday,” said Lauren Archer, a biological sciences sophomore. “From what I hear, the band’s live performance rocks.”
Even though the band is often categorized as punk or pop-punk, the members don’t wear the stereotypical spikes and black leather.
“We hate that whole punk rock image of being tough and mean,” said Rick on the band’s Web site. “We like to counter that by wearing pink. We aren’t bad asses, and we have no problem letting other people know.”
It’s no wonder these guys get all the girls.
So, if in the mood for non-“emo” softcore softies wearing pink to counter the whole “rockstar” image, head to the Spanish Moon Friday, Feb. 7 to see Amazing Transparent Man. For more information about the show call 383-6666.
For more information on ATM visit the band’s Web site at www.a-t-m.net or Springman Records at www.springmanrecords.com. For more information about upcoming shows visit www.rockstarproductions.net, call 955-5582, or email Rachel Rockstar at [email protected].