By: Georgie Flemming
Are you a part of the Facult? Faculty returned to Fordham with their show at Rodrigue’s Coffeehouse on October 13th. The Friday the 13th show was highly anticipated by Rod’s members and basement show truthers alike. Self-described as “squarely in the realm of punk,” Fordham alumni Nilson “Nils” Wilson, Khadija “Deej” Aslam, Hugo Keith, and Aidan Drouse have created their distinct sound over the past three years. Think a combination of Car Seat Headrest, Big Thief, and The Breeders – Faculty are the gold standard of Fordham bands.
Faculty was certainly a presence during their time at Fordham, from basement shows to performing on Martyr’s Lawn as spring weekend openers. Nils, Deej, Aidan, and Hugo created a lasting impact on the Fordham DIY music scene,; being featured on the cover of MODE magazine issue and playing at nearly every Fordham venue. Their debut album, Faculty, was released in August 2022 and features thirteen songs independently written and produced.
Yes, the Facult is alive and well, and the shaking floorboards of Rod’s can attest to it. The opener was Gingsu, friends of Faculty and SoCal-based punk band, who tore up one of their first shows on the East Coast. Gingsu’s frontman, Quin Seely, intrigued the audience with screamo vocals and an eccentric stage personality, accompanied by bassist Michael Aripez and guitarist James Packes. “I Just Want You” was a standout of their set, an indie rock ballad with mellow vocals by drummer Caleb Paust; a lull in the continuous moshing and headbanging. Despite their hardcore appearance, Gingsu definitely had something for everyone.
Faculty’s set was a mix of originals and familiar favorites, covering Katy Perry’s “Hot N Cold,” Joy Division’s “Disorder,” and Weezer’s “Say It Ain’t So.” As an avid listener of the Faculty album, I was hyped to hear standout bangers “Joni” and “Traffic Cone Bone Tune” live. Their ability to transition through genre, era, and style is what makes Faculty’s performances so memorable and has cemented their lasting legacy on Fordham’s music scene – and the mess of sweaty bodies shuffling out of Rod’s on Friday night seemed equally as impressed.
