Megan PellegrinoYou might not have heard of “Small Towns Big Cities,” but sophomore communication major Eric Povish is a part of this local band with three other boys.
A night out for Povish and Ralph Ritter in February 2007 turned into a decision that would change them from watching bands play to performing for people a year later.
Along with other band mates Paul Poper and Tyler Anselm, they decided to create a laying-low band as they wrote songs and developed their sound.
When they were ready to come out with the band and create a MySpace, they had also decided entering the studio would be a good way to get them known around the area.
In August 2007, their first record, “Our City, The Murder Town” was released and soon after they were opening shows for some of their favorite bands including, Just Surrender, The Morning Light, You Me and Everyone We Know, Farewell and Every Avenue.
The main singer of the band is Ralph Ritter; he has an edgy voice that turns heads and gets a room listening.
His emotions through singing possess the audience with a sense of understanding and feeling. Along with Ritter’s voice, they have a drummer, guitar and bass player that come together to form fan favorite songs like “I Am The City” and “I Am The Culprit.”
“They sing very mellow, easy going music. It’s not really my kind of music, but they are really good,” junior communication major Jeff McNeil said.
Connections with the Lord and why certain things happen in life is something. Ritter personally found missing from his life during a rough time when he started college.
He had to make decisions on his own and was away from family and his home.
“Music got me through some of my darkest times. I find my way through music,” Ritter said.
A lot of their songs deals with relationships, death and personal experiences the men have gone through independently and together. One song in particular is about how crime in Philadelphia has gotten so bad over the past couple of years and how saddened they are because, “Philadelphia is such a home to us,” Povish said.
The band’s next show is Nov. 1 at the Crocodile Rock in Allentown, Pa.
It is the Battle of the Bands and they are looking for local support to come out and help. Tickets are $10 and if anyone is interested, contact Povish at efp722@cabrini.edu.
