by John Bott, Conway Daily Sun, 2.14.03

Modern melodic rock makes an appearance in North Conway this Saturday night when Now Is Now rolls into town for a one-night engagement at The UpCountry Saloon. The evening will showcase the songwriting talents of frontman Mitch Alden. A seasoned veteran of the alternative rock scene, Alden weaves several looms of poetic influences together to create a tapestry rich in both color and texture.

Now Is Now formed in Steep Falls, Maine, and polished their chops around Portland's eclectic live music venues. The hard work has paid off. Their radio-friendly intelli-pop is easy on the ears without dumbing down for their audience. What I like most about Now Is Now are the intricate arrangements and discernable lyrics that elevate the band as well as the listener into a realm not often breeched by the current crop of teenage success stories whining and pining over skater dudes and mass-producing musical junk food.

A trip to Now Is Now dot com reveals some literary influences as well. A fan of the horror genre, Alden's musical take on the Dark Tower series has made sizeable waves through relentless Internet marketing, and his homage to the book, "Jitterbug Perfume," is sure to be a hit with any Tom Robbins admirer. Both are captured on the Band's full length CD, "Transitions," a masterfully produced independent offering from the A Lot Of Records label, also out of Steep Falls. You can purchase it through the band's Web site or pick one up at the show.

Also of note to you, my entertainment-hungry cohorts, look for another return from our bounce-heavy friends Lovewhip, although they will be up against my favorite JUG band that evening. And lest we forget, be sure to check out the new guitar circle that Jon Sarty is doing on Wednesday nights at the Moat. It's open to any interested players and beats the hell out of channel surfing the big square pacifier.