Kansas City's own Hopeless Destroyers played at the Record Bar late on Sunday night, April 6, 2008. A sparse crowd had gathered for the opening act, Black Horse, a white noise metal band from New York. The crowd, dressed in black leather, gathered around the bar while Black Horse played.

While the crowd was sparse, it was a decent turnout for a Sunday. And after the opening act, things became a little more involved. Like clockwork, a crowd gathered at the stage at midnight. As the Hopeless Destroyers set up, the crowd gathered and so did their stench. The smell of overly ripe construction workers filled my nose as the set began.

With the crowd dancing and stomping on each other, the bar erupted in comparison to before. Nearly all of the 60 people in the Record Bar were gathered around the stage for the Destroyers. After six years in Kansas City and one EP, their fans still love them - and suddenly the stench is less apparent.

With Josh Betterton on vocals, Sean "Smiley" Smith on lead guitar, Matt Klien on rhythm guitar, Jason Beason on bass and Dave Banica on drums, the Hopeless Destroyers have a high- energy live show that rocks Kansas City's local scene. They mix old school punk riffs with metal guitar leads, bringing a unique sound to the hardcore ear.

Local artist Kristin Meek was at the show, and I had to ask her what she thought about the Destroyers. She answered in three words: "testosterone, sweat, and muscle."

Hopeless Destroyers

In the women's restroom I struck up a conversation about the Destroyers with Stephanie Gallegos. "They're good, but not something I would listen to everyday," she said. After leaving the bathroom, I watched Destroyer guitar man, Klein, dog local drunk Mark Ditto, an avid fan.

The Destroyers' influences are diverse, leaving a mixed flavor and original sound that is something this city often lacks in its local rock in roll.

They are currently putting the finishing touches on their first EP, which should be out in the next few months. It was recorded by Beason, who joined two years ago and is the latest addition to the band. Beason is recording the EP at Q Recording Studios in the Union Hill District of Kansas City.

The Hopeless Destroyers have been rocking the Kansas City scene for almost six years now. When asked why they haven't hit the road for an out-of-state tour, the band said, "We're broke."

A good explanation of why the band is broke is found in their loyalty to their fans - they charge minimal amounts for merchandise and music. However, the Hopeless hope to be on tour eventually.

The Destroyers' EP is currently available for download at their myspace page (see below), and for sale at their live shows. The EP contains six tracks, including "Wishlist," "Trouble," "Donkey Punch," "Chinese Waterfall," "Caustic Cuddle Cauldron," and "Rhetoric."

All tracks house a fast-paced beat which will raise your eyebrows and your heartbeat.

Copyright 2008 Metropolitan Community College