A Few Left Standing PHOTO BY D-R POWELL -WEATHERFORD A Few Left Standing Combine the guitar onslaught of metal, the quarter-time breakdowns of hard-core with a punk approach, and you've got a group that seems to be the latest favorite on the underground scene. The band is aggressive and energetic, the bare-to-the-bone atmosphere of Barristers only adding to their recent performance. Their fans aren't the kids living and breathing music television or aligning their buying habits with radio playlists. A Few Left Standing, as you may have guessed, is a heavy band. But don't try to pigeonhole them as just another metal band. They have perfected what they do and take it very seriously. The group could hold its own with heavy heavyweights such as Sick of It All, Sepultura, and Hatebreed. All this is obvious by watching singer Chris Stafford, guitarists Jim Joblin and Jason Lancaster, and bassist Eric Winter play on the floor surrounded by their fans. Little things like malicious guitar melodies create a dynamic aural experience that sets the band apart from others in the genre. A Few Left Standing have the ability to make a bystander feel cowardly and unattached from the phenomenon occurring before him. But the band demands physical engagement. This is not one of those groups you throw into the CD player while driving, but one you have to see live -- repeatedly -- to get the desired effect. A Few Left Standing have too much testosterone for controlled environments. A better than average band exhales sincerity and confidence. A Few Left Standing radiates these qualities along with a cathartic positivity that is at first unexplainable. (The crowd is littered with straight-edged kids with a no-drinking, no-drugging ideology embraced by some fans of heavy music.) Then the pieces of the puzzle began to fit as a song ends with the line "I find Salvation here." A Few Left Standing is a Christian band. Christian music has progressed beyond the notorious pop-synthesized sound of Amy Grant. For years, Petra and Stryper characterized Christian heavy music. No more. A Few Left Standing exist in a realm with bands like Little Rock faves Living Sacrifice. The songs are about searching for the higher self and salvation, but not with a preachy attitude. And when the show is over, you feel relieved and a little less burdened. As with all good music, it reaches your soul. Now, the fact the band is Christian is not a reason to check them out. The fact that they got a few kind words in a Moment of Truth is also not a reason to check them out. If you like your tones low and your vocals blistering, this band is a must experience. Music for music's sake. -- Pat Mitchell The Memphis Flyer reviews local bands on demand. To request your group's Moment of Truth, call Mark Jordan (575-9441) or Jim Hanas (575-9408).