Jena Berlin must be on top of the world.
It's not everyday that a well-known music magazine like Alternative Press claims a small punk rock band from Philly is the best thing since At The Drive-In and Fugazi.
"It's pretty mind-blowing," drummer Jeff Meyers said. "The very first sentiment [in the review] pretty much tells people to 'forget about your Fugazis and At the Drive-Ins.' It's kind of uncomfortable because those are the bands that made us what we are and are big influences of what we do. It's very flattering that they think we're doing something even as good as them or even better."
Modesty aside, this punk rock foursome from Philly has every reason to celebrate, and the aforementioned praise for their second full-length album Quo Vadimus is not the only reason why. Next Wednesday, Jena (pronounced 'hey-na') Berlin will be opening up for their idols, Bad Religion, in their hometown of Philadelphia at the Electric Factory.
"The fact that we get to play the same show as Bad Religion ... nothing even beats it," Meyers said. "It's one of those things where you're in third grade and you first hear Bad Religion ... now we're going to be sharing the stage with them."
Before they get there, however, they'll be making a stop at 10 tonight at the Brewery, 233 E. Beaver Ave. This will mark the third show organized by Meredith Rebar, promoter for Cherry Darling Productions. In addition to Jena Berlin, the show will also feature State College local bands The Warmingtons and Wentletrap.
The Warmingtons are a garage rock band that, after years of practicing and fine tuning, are starting to infiltrate the State College music scene with their rock 'n' roll/post-punk sound.
"They are probably one of the bands I will have play the most," Rebar said. "They just recently got their act together. They're recording a full-length CD and they're looking for places to play."
The band is currently on tour, and they have been writing new material while on the road. Their EP was released last August, and the band is eager to release some new material, said guitarist/vocalist Justin Berrettini.
As far as their live shows go, Berrettini promises high energy from all the band members.
"A typical Warmingtons show is lot of strings being broken and drumsticks flying through the air," Berrettini said. "We're a high energy band, especially when we're on stage. We want to entertain the audience. We don't want people to stand around stroking their chins and analyzing."
The first opening band will be local punk act Wentletrap. After being broken up for over four years, tonight will mark its second performance since their reunion.
"They really made a name for themselves because they have crazy stage antics," Rebar said. "They're very talented but their stage presence is unbelievable."
So, what can the audience expect from Wentletrap tonight?
"The lead singer likes to get naked," Rebar said, "so you don't really know what to expect from them."