I Have A Confession To Make

No, it isn't about some sordid affair or scandalous evening; rather, it is about my blogging ethics and motives. Why did I start blogging? Because I had an opinion; because I wanted to tell people about the books I read, the music I discover, the authors and artists I love (or don't love). Because I thought if I could suggest a song or two of my favorite indie band to ten of my friends, I can very well help that band reach a hundred more people if I blog about their music. Wouldn't you like to know about a good book that hasn't really made it big yet? If you visit my blog and read my posts, of course you want to know! But what do I get out of talking about stuff that isn't really big in the outside world? Well, how's "joy and happiness" for an answer? Not everything that people do is for material gains. Sometimes, they just do things because they find it fulfilling and satisfying to do them.

So, if I say "I love promoting upcoming and indie artists", it doesn't mean I do so for money! Heck, it'd be atrocious for anyone to even suggest that! I promote them because I think they do an excellent job and that their sound needs that extra bit of exposure. So what if they aren't "the big thing" yet? They have the goods to make it big, and I'll be damned if I don't help them on their quest for making good music. Being a fan, I do my bit by making sure other people know how great the artist is. I do not accept remuneration for writing a review. My reviews aren't sponsored, and they cannot be "bought". I accept review requests from new/indie artists and reserve the right to write an honest review if and only if I find their music to be up to my standard.  Also, I may review live shows if I'm able to travel to the venue. I try not to post a bad review that may deter future listeners (when it comes to a struggling artist). If I don't like the sound or find that the genre isn't my forte, I don't review the artist at all. All I ask in return is for others to respect my sensibilities and not have a wrong impression.

Or, if I write about a book that I read and liked (or disliked), I write an honest to God review that expresses my feelings towards that piece of literature. I try not to pick crappy books lately, or genres that I have outgrown. But if I have high expectations from a book and it turns out to be not so fantastic, I'll let my displeasure be known; I won't get personal about it. I don't call a spade by any other name. If someone requests a review, I expect to be provided a copy of the work. That is fair enough, I think. And just because I receive a free copy doesn't guarantee a "five-star review". Puh-lease! You know me better than that by now.

So summing up all that I said in my rant above:

1. I do what I do because it makes me happy.

2. Reviews on this blog can be requested, but NOT BOUGHT.

3. It is only fair that you send me a copy of the material to be reviewed, and not expect me to buy it.

Band Review: Splendid Chaos

I am HOOKED! I just can't stop listening to this band ever since I found them a month or so ago. It won't be too far away from the truth if I said that their song "Staring at the Sun" has been kind of a soundtrack for some of my more intense moments. It gives me a kind of enthusiasm, a zest to tackle the difficult phase I've been facing lately. Well, that and my beloved books and close friends. The chorus that goes "I'm not the one/ who will burn out/ staring at the sun/ Inside of me/ is a fire like you've never seen", perfectly describes what I feel right now.

Band Name: Splendid Chaos

Members: Mike Hall - Vocals/Guitars

Terry Sharp - Guitars/Backing Vocals

Mike Oakley - Drums/Samples

Jake Fountain - Bass/Backing Vocals

Genre: Rock/Alternative Rock/Metal

Formed: 2000

Location: Brandon, Mississippi (USA)

The band from Brandon, MS (USA) was formed in the year 2000 and has made music that spans the Alternative/Hard Rock/Metal genres. They’ve performed with such bands as Hinder, Staind, Trapt, Saliva and Three Days Grace. Their music could well be categorized as being a reflection of the bands they’ve performed with. Emotions and angst just ooze out of every one of their compositions, painting before us a brilliant display of creativity coupled with prodigious skill.

They released the CD Burn It Down in early 2010, of which “Staring at the Sun” is a product. Mike Hall’s vocals, Terry Sharp’s guitars, Mike Oakley’s drums, and Jake Fountain’s bass do make a truly splendid chaos! “Come and Get It”, “Energy”, and the titular track “Burn It Down” literally pulsate with a raw energy that is totally infectious. The various element of the band gel together so perfectly, they seem as various limbs of the selfsame being. Okay, enough said; I better let you sample their music and decide for yourself whether YOU like them or not.

Verdict: Abso-fucking-lutely AWESOME music! \m/

Some Awesome Bands You've Probably Never Heard Of

They say music is the best way to unwind after a day’s hard work. Whether you prefer Ludwig van Beethoven or Lynyrd Skynyrd, there is a tune out there for every soul and every mood. Often we have that one artist that we follow diligently and try to find others with a similar sound. But most of us have a limited search radius that doesn’t go beyond mainstream music. More often than not the indie and local scenes can afford us much more and sometimes much better entertainment.

Here are some bands that have the potential to make it to the main stream but haven’t had the opportunity to. Conversely, some make it a point to stay indie to escape the pressures of delivering for a commercial record label just for the sake of churning out EP’s, LP’s, and singles. From the world of indie and underground music here are some of the gems that you MUST have on your playlist.

1. NEEDMORE: Formed in the year 2007, this band from Dayton, Ohio (USA) is a strong contender for an impending mainstream exposure. Having already topped MTV OurStage’s Rock charts,

NEEDMORE has also composed music for a few commercials and worked with producers Jeff Juliano (John Mayer, Train, Lifehouse, DMB), Dave McNair (Sara Barielles, OAR, Flyleaf), and Tony Alany on their newest single “Lost My Way”. Impeccable production values, sleek sound and that one hidden ingredient you really can’t point out makes this band a truly enigmatic act. Lead vocalist, guitarist and pianist Garett McArthur has a captivating voice that works well with the band’s overall musical style. Their song “Late Night Drive” is a must-hear for anyone looking to judge their musical prowess, although “Lost My Way” is a good candidate too.

Official Website: http://www.needmore.net/fr_home.cfm

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/NEEDMORE/76368671232?v=app_178091127385

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/NEEDMORE

2. Fools For Rowan: They have a smashing female vocalist, a rocking female lead guitarist and freaking awesome line-up of musicians. What more do you look for in a great rock band? FFR, from Nashville, Tennessee (USA) came up with their first full album “Twisted. Tied Up. Tangled.” in November 2009. It included the hit single “Dead” which happens to have a great video to go along with the equally great music. Comprising of five members, FFR recently opened for Evanescence in Nashville’s War Memorial Auditorium. The lead vocalist, Erin Mullins, has a vast vocal range. According to the band’s website, “She brings her brand of “Lipstick Rock” to the group…a style of “male oriented rock” from a woman’s point of view. It’s a touch of Nickelback and Kings of Leon…but also reminiscent of such female led acts as Paramore, Heart, Pink and Pat Benatar.”

Official Website: https://www.foolsforrowan.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/foolsforrowan?v=wall&viewas=0

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/foolsforrowan

3. Cynical Recess: Well, these guys aren’t completely unheard of, but they still deserve a place here. Why, you ask? Because a powerful musical act like that should not be passed on without a mention! This six-piece progressive glam rock/ metal band from Kolkata (India) has won various accolades in the past three years, including performances at I-Rock, Hornbill National Rock Fest, RSJ Pub Rock Fest and Unseen Underground Pub Rock Fest, among others. Lead vocalist Abhishek has the kind of voice that brings to mind the likes of Gene Simmons (KISS) and Steven Tyler (Aerosmith). The guitars and the drums strike just the right balance required to bring the best qualities of their music to the fore. “Move On”, “Chains”, “Goodbye Sunday”___ take your pick, ‘cause this band has got no dearth of good songs.

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thecynicalrecess

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/cynicalrecessindia

4. Damian Cullen Band: “The new Finnish [sic] based Damian Cullen Band stinks of angst & attitude, contains more glamour than any top shelf dirty magazine and is armed with what can only be described as classic rock anthems that bite deep into the bone. Damian Cullen Band is Jim Morrison, Johnny Rotten & Glen Danzig in a melting pot.” That’s what you’ll find on the profile page of the band. In short, DCB has a sound that is sometimes similar to their fellow countrymen The 69 Eyes but they still manage to maintain their own identity. Goth, glam, classic, punk___ DCB is all this and even more.

Official Website: http://www.damiancullenband.com/

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/damiancullenfi

5. Requinox: With a style that spans the Rock/Heavy Rock/Metal genres, this tenacious band from Oslo (Norway) is quite a handful. What I like about them is their weird choice of song names. Sample these: “Jackie the Stripper”, “Mr. Maniac Murderer”. Heavily reliant on powerful guitar riffs and drums, their music has the pick-me-up effect you need when you feel like pounding the next person to dirt. Although you may end up pounding them anyway, but with Requinox’s music as a fitting background score! Jokes apart, if you are the kind to like your music raw and rough ‘round the edges, Requinox is your band.

Official Website: http://www.requinox.net/

Myspace: http://myspace.com/requinox

6. Cure for Caska: Mixing classical instruments like upright bass, cello and violin with pop/modern rock, CFC have come up with a sound that appeals instantly to all your senses. The lyrics, combined with Matthew Hayes’s soft voice carry you to a happy place. This quintet from Orlando, Florida (USA) has already found a place on several local charts and radio stations. The song “13 Hours, 3 State Lines (Give Rosette Away)” from their new album “Wait and Hope” is an excellent representation of what this band stands for. Go check them out if you are in need of a musical fix.

ReverbNation:  http://www.reverbnation.com/cureforcaska

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/cureforcaska

Note: All pictures used above are the properties of the respective artists.  I do not claim any right to the same.