With Ozzfest b-stage bands dominating the music scene these days, the prospect of another hardcore band with songs about helplessness, suicide and broken hearts sounds as appetizing as another dose of boy band mania. However, New Jersey-based pete. isn’t just another one of these bands, something it proved during its short yet powerful set at Hollywood’s Roxy Theatre on August 18.

Lead singer David Terrana, who began the show by lighting a candle and placing it at the end of the stage, dominated the entire set with his fierce energy, sincere focus and intense presence. Terrana’s voice, sounding somewhere between a Plush-era Scott Weiland and Gavin Rossdale after a bad hair day, was reinforced by rich, fully textured instrumentation courtesy of guitarist Rich Andruska, bassist Lars Alverson and drummer Scott Anderson. Tight guitar, a pounding low end and an emphasis on rhythm are what sets pete. apart from other hardcore bands, and while pete. may not be making any breakthrough music, they are at least cracking the ice, if not wholeheartedly pounding on it with all its sonic fury. Guitarist Andruska showed his skill at creating catchy melodies that intertwine with thrashing, soaring soundscapes.

The band played seven songs off its self-titled debut album, including "Cold Cocked," "All Love is a Lie," "Untied" and its first single, "Sweet Daze".

The seven-song set was fast paced, and the band didn’t waste any time with the usual banter found at rock shows. The only speech made by Terrana came just before "Sweet Daze" and addressed the September 11 events in New York. Terrana thanked all the people from its label Warner Bros. for coming to the show, and then dedicated "Sweet Daze" to the wife of a WB employee who was a victim of the World Trade Center attack. Terrana also admitted that they "know it’s not an easy time to play," but Terrana didn’t let the circumstances sideline him from delivering a memorable performance.

Although the Roxy was only half full during pete.’s set, the people who weren’t preoccupied with getting liquored up could be seen enthusiastically bobbing their heads. Terrana interacted with people closest to the stage, often reaching out to hold someone’s hand while he sang. Standard rock star stage antics and poses came across as much more when watching the members of pete. engross themselves fully into the music. If only other bands had half the determination, drive and work ethic that pete. conveys when it performs. When Terrana would drop to his knees and close his eyes while he sang, it actually looked sincere and heartfelt. Hopefully, Terrana isn’t just a great charlatan.

After watching pete. perform live, it is clear they aren’t any worse than the Papa Roaches or System of a Downs out there, and hopefully pete. will have its chance to show more than just a half-filled room of people what the band is capable of.