Zach’s junior year of high school has been going well – he’s drummer for the Sock Monkeys, with his best friend Kyle on bass – and they’ve got some paying gigs lined up for the summer. Zach feels best when he’s on the throne, driving the groove and rocking out with the guys and he’s starting to believe that his dream of being a professional musician could be more than just a dream. He’s completely jarred when the guys kick him out of the band, giving him some lame excuses about his performance and commitment as the reason for their decision. Left adrift, about to sink into a pit of self-loathing and despair, a rare chance comes Zach’s way that he mans up enough to grab: the opportunity to play with Bad Habit, a seasoned band of local renown that needs a new drummer before they head out on the road for a summer’s worth of shows.
Nervous as hell, but determined to make a go of it, Zach signs on and hits the road with Bad Habit. After his nerves settle down, things start going well for Zach as he finds his place as the “den mother/little brother” of the band. He even ventures into new territory: writing some songs and remixing another band mate’s original material. But too soon egos, insecurity, and immaturity rear their ugly heads and deep rifts surface, dragging Zach down into them. Despite his best efforts to get the situation under control, Zach’s dream of living his life immersed in rock and roll may be squelched before it can even be realized.
Part rock anthem, coming of age story, and road trip “adventure,” Road Rash resonates with an authenticity, energy, and drive that are hard to ignore. Early on, someone says to Zach: “You’re you. And that’s a good thing. So be you.” (71) and when he ultimately, triumphantly, accepts that, it’s music to the ears.
- Posted by Cori