Straight-up Party

Straight-edge bands get a bad rap. Often unfairly branded as a general crankiness toward all things fun, the straight-edge, or “sXe,” movement is largely anti bar, house party or any other place where drugs or alcohol might rear their ugly heads. It isn’t a scene particularly synonymous with “ragers.”

However, Matt Weltner, vocalist for Seattle-based hardcore band Clarity, assures EW that the band still knows how to throw down. When asked if they tire of explaining why they don’t party, he contests: “We NEVER tell anyone that we don’t party. We party just as hard as anyone else; our parties just involve more football, magic cards, It’s Always Sunny In Philadelphia, books and lots of coffee.”

Though they may not party the way much of Eugene does, Clarity definitely knows how to rile up a proper circle pit. The 2013 EP Unstoppable consists of five bare-knuckle mosh anthems that, despite the title, ends far too soon, especially considering the two-year silence that ensued after its release.

Weltner admits that Clarity’s return to our Emerald City will indeed include the unveiling of some much-awaited new material. The band just wrapped up recording a yet-to-be-titled 7-inch that he says is “musically in line with the old stuff, but faster, darker and more aggressive.”

So strap on your helmets and practice those spin kicks — it’s party time.

Fellow hardcore brethren Young Turks, Red Scare and Novelas join Clarity 7 pm Saturday, April 11, at The Boreal, 450 W. 3rd Ave.; $8. All ages.

A Note From the Publisher

Dear Readers,

The last two years have been some of the hardest in Eugene Weekly’s 43 years. There were moments when keeping the paper alive felt uncertain. And yet, here we are — still publishing, still investigating, still showing up every week.

That’s because of you!

Not just because of financial support (though that matters enormously), but because of the emails, notes, conversations, encouragement and ideas you shared along the way. You reminded us why this paper exists and who it’s for.

Listening to readers has always been at the heart of Eugene Weekly. This year, that meant launching our popular weekly Activist Alert column, after many of you told us there was no single, reliable place to find information about rallies, meetings and ways to get involved. You asked. We responded.

We’ve also continued to deepen the coverage that sets Eugene Weekly apart, including our in-depth reporting on local real estate development through Bricks & Mortar — digging into what’s being built, who’s behind it and how those decisions shape our community.

And, of course, we’ve continued to bring you the stories and features many of you depend on: investigations and local government reporting, arts and culture coverage, sudoku and crossword puzzles, Savage Love, and our extensive community events calendar. We feature award-winning stories by University of Oregon student reporters getting real world journalism experience. All free. In print and online.

None of this happens by accident. It happens because readers step up and say: this matters.

As we head into a new year, please consider supporting Eugene Weekly if you’re able. Every dollar helps keep us digging, questioning, celebrating — and yes, occasionally annoying exactly the right people. We consider that a public service.

Thank you for standing with us!