There are more talented Mac bands than just the ones playing at Springfest, and one prominent one happens to be The Common Place, which features Mac sophomore Brendan Viele on guitar, and his brother, drummer J.T., who will be a freshman at Mac in the fall. The band is rounded out by two U of M students, Josh Johnson (guitar) and Chris Amundsen (bass), as well as Hennepin Tech student Joe Bernard (lead vocals). Mac students have had the opportunity to see The Commonplace play numerous times, most notably at Fallfest and Springfest 2002.

On Friday, May 2, the band is releasing its first full length CD, Mileage. The Common Place's sound can be compared to such melodic rock bands as Bad Religion, No Motiv, and Saves the Day. The album, recorded in two weeks at Two Fish Studios in Mankato, MN, features 11 tracks, from the punk-y "Mileage" to the somber, melodic "Smokestacks." The CD will be available for purchase at the band's website and at all Twin Cities Cheapo locations. The Common Place will also be touring, playing tonight at UW-Eau Claire, April 27 at Taco T's in Inver Grove Heights, May 2 at the Fireball in Falcon Heights, and May 10 at the Ascot Room in Minneapolis.