“Passion is rare these days: during times of stock options, retirement plans, and corporate scandal, Air This Side of Caution is a beacon of truth, humility, and passion that continually attracts listeners searching for signs of life,” states the ATSoC Web site.

Air This Side of Caution, a band from Chicago, will perform a free concert at 9 p.m. Saturday at 7th Street Underground in the basement of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

Katie Strejc, University Board main stage coordinator, said a different band was originally booked for the show but backed out; and surprisingly, through the same management company, the main stage committee discovered Air This Side of Caution.

Air This Side of Caution’s Web site states the band’s success prompted it to record a feature-length album titled, “The Unbearable Lightness of Being.”

From sorrow and remorse to beauty and enlightenment, the album captures the essence of human existence. Songs like “You Will Not Stay,” “Dirty Beer,” and “Beauty in Life” exemplify the band’s unique sound and dynamic. Recorded at legendary Electrical Audio in Chicago and produced by Robert Marshall, the album was released Aug. 10 on Subterranean.

“I heard them over the summer. It was at the beginning of August, at a club called Subterranean in Chicago at their amazing CD-release party for their new album ‘The Unbearable Lightness of Being,'” Strejc said. “I really like the sound of their music and my friends already had some of their CDs.”

The ATSoC Web site states four uniquely-talented musicians form the core of Air This Side of Caution. Jim Chino’s disciplined and resonant bass lines unite with Lucas Farran’s edgy, yet expansive drumming. J Kid’s guitars provide swirling textures, conjuring the listener’s spirit.

Raine delivers his emotionally intense lyrics with a voice which is intimate and sultry one moment and startlingly powerful the next. The combined result is a richly layered sound that undulates between lightness and heaviness.

“It reminded me of Radiohead, not as depressing, but that kind of quality – very soulful.” Strejc said. “They are really in tune with the way they work together and it comes through in their music. Their lyrics are intense but meaningful.”

The young group uses this hefty musicianship to support its dedication to strong, innovative songwriting.

“We’re easily bored,” laughs vocalist Raine. “We really like to play with song structures and formats to deviate from the norm.”

As stated on their Web site, the band is armed with the belief that people want something fresh and new, the foursome makes an honest attempt not to insult listeners’ intelligence. This integral attitude, combined with the band’s unique sound, captivates both audiences and critics alike.

The band formed in August 2000, according to the ATSoC Web site, determined to keep soul and passion in music. Vocalist Raine penned a slogan to keep the focus on passion; “The eyes are the window to the soul: Music is the door.” Using this idea to anchor a unique and melodic sound, they took the stage in January 2001 in Chicago.

With performances full of energy, grace, and emotion, the band quickly drew the attention of 93.1 WXRT. Soon thereafter, they earned the distinction of “pick of the week” in the Chicago Tribune (ITALICS).

In September the band played at places such as Lizards Lounge in Bloomington, Sigma Pi Fraternity at Indiana University, Frankies Blue Room in Naperville, and The Station in Champaign.

“With a turn out of over 50 students at the last concert at 7th Street Underground, I’m sure this concert will draw even more.” Strejc said. “[I’d like to tell students] Their sound is unique but has a quality that they have heard before and will enjoy.”

The event was organized by the main stage committee, which consists of five to six students who would like to encourage any students interested in becoming involved to contact the main stage committee.

“The main stage committee probably has the most fun while bringing so many acts to campus.” Strejc said. “We organize at least 20 concerts each semester including everything from punk, rock, hip-hop, acoustic, and so much more. If you like music you could find at least one show you’d like to put together if not more.”