They may not be out to save a Catholic orphanage, but like the comedic Blues Brothers, the local indie-rock band League is on a mission to get their once broken-up band back together.
Lacking the black suits, smooth shades and soulful hats, the four rockers of League may not have the same apparel and music as the big screen rockers, but they do have the same heart and drive.
"We are so focused on getting the band back together," said guitarist Dave Raymond. "We wake up everyday knowing we have to go to work."
The work the band members do everyday does not require a shirt and tie. It does, however, demand a 14-hour day of tedious show booking, music writing and rehearsing.
And they love it.
Their return will culminate with a concert at The Showplace Theatre at 6 p.m. Saturday night, which marks the release of their self-titled album.
Their Web site states that the four musicians realize the fleeting moments of youth. Turning this brief reality into an opportunity, the musicians thrive on the endorphins that come from hard work and devotion.
Since the band's much-needed separation in the early fall, the musicians went through episodes of withdrawal without playing together. After a great deal of soul-searching and reflecting, the band's addiction to music drove them to reunite, this time with more focus and dedication.
"We had to convince ourselves that this is worth working for," said Raymond. "You can be broke your whole life and be happy. That is where we are at right now. It is a trade-off and all of us are in the same boat."
The newfound commitment and eagerness has paid off. Not only has the band written new material, it have also recorded its debut album. To mix it up on the first record, the dynamic indie quartet decided to add an additional element of pop to its intricate set of intertwined melodies, putting them in a league of their own.
To kick off the 10-track, self-titled disc, League will play new songs as well as old ones at their CD release show. Complimented by other local bands, Fish's Eddy, Wide of the Mark and This Day and Age, League can expect a dynamic and spirited night.
"Every band will keep up a steady amount of energy throughout the night. It's a solid show," said Jon Skowron of Fish's Eddy. "If you enjoy well written music performed with lots of balls, the only time you will be bored will be the 10 minutes between sets which should be spent at the merchandise table hanging out with band members."
Compared to League's first show back together in February, the upcoming performance has its own level of importance. Because the band had to play in front of a familiar audience, living up to the crowd's expectations was stressful and difficult.
Although only a few months of hard work have passed since the revitalized band's first show back together, they feel a drastic increase in confidence. Because two of the members live in Fredonia while attending college, rehearsing as much as they would like to has been one of the biggest obstacles.
Having rehearsed as much as possible since their first show over a month ago, the four close friends have more experience together to give them a new edge.
"We are not good looking guys but Jordon has a nice a--, and we do not have a lot of stage moves but when we move, we move together."
When the band reunited, their ethics had changed, as had their membership.
"If you change members, you change the band. It is like putting a different motor under the hood of your car," said Raymond. "We lost what League was with Elliott and Ryan but we gained what League is with Jordan and Kipp."
Picking up new members Jordan Shafer and Matthew Kipp has enhanced many musical and non-musical aspects of the band. Gaining a better sense of rhythmic creativity, Shafer's meticulous nature has kept the band's sound from becoming repetitive.
"If we play like we do in rehearsal, it should come out sincere," said Raymond.
