Seattle Rock Feature: The Lookout

It is no secret that the Seattle music scene has become predominantly hip-hop based. Seattle area youth flock to popular venues such as Nuemos, the Showbox and the Nectar Lounge to watch local hip-hop shows. Meanwhile, once prominent rock venues have struggled to attract a new generation of fans. With a lack of publicity and hype, up and coming Seattle bands have been unfairly overlooked. As a result, it comes as no surprise that most of you probably haven't even heard of one Seattle's best new bands.
One of my best discoveries of 2012, The Lookout has become a local favorite of mine. The Lookout's sound is a mix of punk, alternative, and pop, with hints of metal. Originally from Great Falls Montana, this group of Northwest transplants has been rocking Seattle area venues for the past three years. The band released a self titled EP in 2010, and has steadily been writing new material since, consistently posting new songs on their Facebook page. This March, the band released their second EP Substance not Substances. I recommend listening to "Wolves", and "Less Talk (More Rock)". However, one of their most recent songs "Skeletons" is their best track yet. The video for "Skeletons" is a perfect compliment to the song. Filmed outside of SODO's Studio 7 and in a Seattle warehouse, the video reflects the simple yet compelling style of The Lookout. Featuring calm but dramatic verses and a moving chorus, the song and video won me over. Frontman Nick Emacio's powerful high ranging vocals kick in on the song's bridge as he screams into his microphone, revealing a heavier side to the band. Giving the track an eerie feel, "Skeletons" also features the use of a keyboard. "I'm so terrified of closing my eyes tonight" sings Emacio. "Will I fall asleep and wake in another time?".

The Lookout's style is similar to pop punk bands such as Yellowcard and Simple Plan, though their music has a darker side to it that almost reflects an emo-rock feel. With indie and experimental bands dominating the Seattle rock scene, the Lookout's pop-punk sound is a refreshing change of pace.
While the band's music is certainly something to get excited about, The Lookout's lack of recognition is concerning. Despite opening for bands such as Hawthorne Heights and Unwritten Law, they have failed to receive a substantial buzz outside of the local rock community. I had the pleasure of attending one of their concerts at El Corazon late last March. While I was blown away by the bands distinguished sound and character, I was shocked by how poorly attended the concert was. Even with Warped Tour member Moneta headlining the concert, the Lookout played to an audience of only 40-50 people, with most of the audienec crammed into the venue's bar area.
The problem seems to be rooted in Seattle's current musical culture. It's awesome to live in a city with such a rich surplus of talent. However, the core musical interest of the city seems to be focused on hip-hop and indie. Almost similar to the grunge era of the early 90's, more people than ever are venturing to venues to hear local hip hop artists, regardless of the act's level of exposure. This has created a culture in which Seattle rappers are getting famous faster than ever before.
Don't get me wrong, this is amazing!. Many artists are getting the respect they finally deserve. However, this intense focus on Seattle's hip-hop scene, and a lasting monopoly imposed by the regions wealth of indie bands has nudged listeners in the opposite direction of Seattle's hard rock scene. Outside of occasional  throwbacks to outdated grunge rock hits, listeners will rarely hear local, mainstream sounding rock on the radio. No longer common for Seattle teens to regularly attend underground rock shows, it seems as if this spectrum of local music has been forgotten.
With bands like The Lookout playing around the Seattle area, now is a great time to re-embrace the genre  that put this city on the nation's musical map.
Check out The Lookout on Facebook for music and show updates, and be sure to make it to a show soon!