Mephiskapheles raises the 'Sco to the ninth level of Hell

There may be some people who are considering going to see Mephiskapheles, but have some nagging worries about going to the 'Sco tonight. Not worries about how many songs you can dance for, or what to wear, or any of that silliness, but the question of whether or not having a good time will assure you a place in Hell.

I'd like to comfort those fretting souls by admitting that I myself have been damned to Hell with its warm lakes of fire somewhere between two and six times, counting Brother Jed, my eighth grade religion teacher and the cross-country teams, and if you think about it hard enough, you've probably done something to assure yourself a spot right next to me for the trip, so you might as well dance your way there.

Not only that, but about halfway through the set of any band at the 'Sco, the combination of the heat and the lights make it look and feel just like Hell anyway. Of course, once the show starts it will be clear no wait shall be involved as Mephiskapheles brings their satanic ska to Oberlin's favorite basement.

The seven-member band plays both rock-steady, a slower form of ska more true to its origins, as well as faster, more modern types of ska. Of the seven (eight on their debut album God Bless Satan , but they have been without a saxophone player since at least last summer), they display an amazing horn section with a trumpet and trombone, as well as an upright bass, guitar, keyboard, drums and the impressive Nubian Nightmare with the vocals.

They are also one of the many bands that hail from New York and are on the Moon Ska label, which is becoming the forefront of the ska explosion that has been occurring in recent times.

Opening for Mephiskapheles are Skatastrofè, a campus band that debuted last weekend at the benefit show in Harkness. Their four member crew will be bringing a blend of ska, punk, and '50s and '60s rock as well as beach music and a pinch of death metal thrown in for flavor.

Bring some dancing shoes, any pets you don't want and an appreciation for the dark lord's brand of ska. And the best of luck to anyone trying to get "The BumbleBee Tuna Song" out of their head on Saturday.