As an arts and entertainment reporter, there are times that you wish you could clone yourself for other reasons than an extra pair of hands for housework. Occasionally, there is a time when you want to be in two places at once and decisions must be made.

This was definitely the case when I ventured out Friday, when both local metal group Full Power and experimental rockers The Waystation were playing different places at the same time. For the first time in a while, I had too many places I wanted to be in St. Joseph.

It would prove to be slightly challenging.

First, I ventured over to the First Ward House (a first time journey for yours truly) to see The Waystation. They were supposed to play with local folk group Steel Wool Mill, but there lead singer got sick and they couldn't play. The show went on for The Waystation, who had more than a few technical difficulties with their less-than-adequate P.A., which consisted of one speaker, one sub and no monitors.

I guess stereo is out of the question.

When the guys finally got the feedback reigned in to a tolerable level, they started playing past 11 p.m. They appeared to whip out a couple of new tracks, which had vocalist Todd Long manning the acoustic guitar and leading the boys into more pop-structured territory. This is a slight departure from their previous tracks, which definitely had their head-scratching moments. But pop structure isn't The Waystation's new direction, just a way for them to hook with you on a catchy guitar melody before throwing you off balance with a chorus or guitar riff that came from out of left field. The guys still know how to keep an audience's ear.

They also dropped a pleasant surprise on the college-aged First Ward crowd when they played a Way-ed down version of Devo's "Whip It." Long was using his growl and melodic yet frail high register to great effect. I ran into Tim Fields from local group The Bridge and he said Long reminded him a little bit of Jim Morrison. I could agree to an extent, except the lizard king didn't have fiery red hair, wear thick-knit cardigans and occasionally play a trumpet solo.

The band periodically switched instruments, allowing guitarist/drummer Quentin Ames to lead the danceable '60s pop-meets-Grateful Dead groove "Takin' It Easy." I definitely respect the heck out of how the guys switch off instruments and share duties. But the fact remains, Ames and fellow guitar player Jarred Dunning are only passable drummers. These guys could benefit greatly from a guy who could finesse a drum kit, even if their music isn't that focused on percussion.

For the four or five songs I managed to see, I felt that The Waystation were well on their way to finding the balance between infectious melody and sonic unpredictability that I at least hope they are striving for.

I know I mentioned drummers before, so let me turn your attention to the drummer of metal band Full Power, who is lucky his drum kit doesn't have nerves. Otherwise, it would be filing charges of assault. But before they could rock, they had technical difficulities of their own. The drummer's double kick pedal broke. Luckily, the drummer for opening band Ascension saved the day on that one.

For Full Power, it was very much biz as usual, which was a good thing. The loyal metalheads showed up. Singer and guitarist Todd Fields continues to defy gravity with his "S" shaped guitar stance (I honestly don't see how this guy doesn't fall over) and yelling/attacking the mic from all angles. The drummer pounded his drums hard enough that he was constantly having to adjust his glasses from falling off of his nose. For his chosen style, I would invest in some contact lenses.

They played wrecking ball riffs with their trademark speed, loudness and intensitythat made me have flashbacks to when I was in high school and obsessed with Metallica and Pantera. Apparently, some things you just don't grow out of.

I left about four songs in to save my ear drums for The Rogers and Actors and Actresses the next day. I saw two bands for a length of time that would have amounted to around one hour. But I had options. In St. Joe, that's a refreshing change.