On Saturday night, The Socials took over Cholmondeley's to bring their music to the Brandeis community. Comprised of JohnBergwell '06 on bass and twin brother Nick on vocals and guitar, guitarist Stephanie Smiszek and drummer Tim Bracken, The Socials gave Brandeis a taste of real rock 'n' roll.Playing a short, 45 minute set, The Socials rocked Chum's to its core. Their music is all that is good about rock 'n' roll - hard, driving beats, crazy chord progressions and growly vocals, all mashed in a series of sweet, three-minute songs.

They opened their set with "Drunk Driving, Part One," a short but blistering song that was reminiscent of a new Rolling Stones. They kept the speed going with "I'll Drink To That" and "Hot Fast Go," two more songs that sounded like they belonged in a smokey club in New York City more than they did in the chill, couch-laden atmosphere of Chum's.

A small mosh pit opened up for "Hot Fast Go," featuring two punks bringing back the old tradition of circle-moshing and pogoing in the most delicious way. Then they slowed it down for a bit, turning out a couple delightful, blues-laden melodies, undermined by wonderful, heavy bass lines. Nick Bergwell took a break for a song, allowing Smiszek to take over the microphone, her sweet voice the perfect compliment to the rock track behind her.

The musical highlight of the evening came with The Social's cover of "Loose," by Iggy Pop and the Stooges. The band nailed the song in all its grungy, punk rock glory, and Nick Bergwell's voice, although it wasn't quite Iggy's, was close enough to be just as exhilarating.

When it comes down to it, though, The Socials did not do as well as they could have. It was obvious that there was musical talent in abundance that night, but it wasn't as fully developed as it could have been.

Drummer Bracken's rhythms were disarmingly accessible and unbelievably intricate at the same time, but the band didn't take full advantage of his stunning rhythm work.

Several songs involved underdeveloped guitar dissonance. The sound system at Chum's definitely worked against the band; their brand of rock was too much for the system to really handle.

The Socials are a good representation of things to come. They play gritty, true-to-roots rock 'n' roll, and they are damn proud of it. It is elegant in its simplicity, and oh-so-spunky in its delivery. They have got a ways to go before they are truly great, but they are still far enough along to be good.

The Socials are certainly a good band. There is no doubt that they will only get better and better as they continue to play. Hopefully in the future, Brandeis will be able to see them in their full glory.