by Kylee Nelson
With the decay of musical originality in today's culture, it's refreshing to encounter artists that are inspiring and influencial by means of thier charismatic simplicity and uniqueness. The Michigan based band TASTE is one in this select group of diverse musicians. TASTE, composed of lead vocalist Craig Nelson, lead guitarist Cliff Frantz, bassist Joe Sarnicola, and drummer Josh Barnaby; are finding local success and working toward national acclaim with their harmonistic, bruting approach to rock and roll. Members of the band attribute much of their successful sound to the history and influences of thier past experience. Lead vocalist and songwriter, Craig Nelson, formerly of the Blister Pistons, brings a potent blend of modern rock and unique melodies to the band. Nelson's dark, romantic songs pocess eerily appealing lyrics and smooth captivating choruses. Definitely one of TASTE's many talents is their ability to define themselves in their lyrical content. In his songs, Nelson is able to breathe a sense of life and virtue into the music, the listener hears more than random rythems and powerful percussion; they're taken in by Nelson's masterful words and devoured by his understanding of romance and vitality. With songs such as "0 for 1" and "BiSexual Girl", Nelson cleverly conveys a sense of realism in relationships under a mask of edgy beats and upbeat measures. "I think ambiguous songwriting is cool", explains Nelson, "most of my stuff is about relationships..they're just morphed into wierd meanings and they definitely give you something to take away once you listen to them." Nelson's statement is not only accurate, but also appropriate; TASTE has a compelling mixture of honest rantings and sexual appeal in their music. Taste's gripping and illuminating sound is filled with a frantic arrangement of unique melodeies and unsanctioned harmonies that produce a very sensual and pasionate feeling in the listener. The band reflects this dark romantism in thier music by placing an upbeat conatation, that is not only captivating, but also intensely harrowing and honest in each song. "...we want to be unique, oringinal...melody oriented, EDGY! states Nelson, which is a task the individuals of TASTE are performing all to well. Nelson, along with Sarnicola, Frantz, and
Barnaby are effectly displaying a novelty and diversity in their music that few are able and willing to capture today. TASTE's songs are intelligent, entertaining and enlightening. They pocess an element totally thier own, yet are able to appeal to mass audiences of all genres and attract even the most critical or indifferent fan.
The Grand Rapid's rockers do this by enticing audiences of all areas. Listeners of heavey rock, solemn pop, and even quiet harmonies can appreciate and accept TASTE as they are. Perhaps bassist Joe Sarnicola best describes the TASTE phenomnea with his statement, "I can't really catogorize our sound...when people ask I alway say,"We're a Rock band...and leave it at that."" And a rock band is all the men of TASTE need to be. They run the spectrum of rock and roll with their somber chords and upbeat rythems. Not only are they recreating the concept of originality and novelty, they are also embarking on a journey to explore thier own passionate and intriguing approach to music. With songs such as "Superman" and "Turn You Around", which will be on thier first cd, currently in pre-production; TASTE brings us back to a time when music was meaningful, livily, and charismatic. They are successfully ignoring the sensationalism of current music and letting their audiences know that good rock and roll is still present and flourishing in today's world. So if you have yet to see or hear this band live....all I can say is....You literally have no TASTE.
Tired of the same old latin music scene. Well, friends, I suggest taking a listen to the latest import from the Austin, Texas area. Vallejo, a young, sassy, latin rock band are making themselves something to watch for in the future. With their latest album "Into the New", Vallejo displays the power and sensuality that the latin community can provide. With songs like "El Matador" and "Back in the Day" the band along with lead vocalist A.J. Vallejo, give the listener a passionate and sexy encounter with southern rock. The rapsy, bruting vocals of the Vallejo brothers is tantilizing and addictive to any music fan. However, don't let Vallejo's sensual appeal fool you, the men of the Austin group, have a powerful weapon with their rabid guitars and fierce beating rythems. Songs such as "Modern Day Slave", "Classico" and "Let it Slide" provide the listener with a groovey rock and roll experience. All together, Vallejo is an unique, honest protrayal of perfect fustion between traditional rock and latin heritage.
Rating: 5 Stars
*****
Ok, Monkeys, Strap yourselves in and get ready for the ride. This month the one thing that is annoying the hell out of me, is probably something that's annoying the hell out of all you also. For those of us who frequently attend concerts, there are certain sites that you just have to accept and ignore.....the 40 year old man who still thinks he's 18, the drunken 15 year old who only had a couple of sips from his friend's beer, and the worst, the most horrible site that one can befall at a show....the RockSlut. Yes, the RockSlut, the girls who's pants are too tight, shirts are so small, and who have enough makeup on thier faces to paint a Picaso. The girls who could care less about the music and more about how they look. Come on, you know the ones, hanging around the buses and band, just waiting for that perfect moment to pounce. Now, what's wrong with these girls? Yes, I'm aware that they'll always be there, I mean, we all know that as long as there's rock and roll, there will be sex, drugs, booze and whores. But, I have to admit, that lately, I've been wondering...What drives these young ladies to become the bimbos they have?....Sadly there must be something missing in their lives for them to allow themselves to be treated like hookers. Girls!!...WAKE UP!! These rockstars DONT love you, THEY NEVER WILL!! The majority of them already have wives or girlfriends, and your no different than any of the other girls they're fooling around with in any other city. Accept it and get over it, go to shows for the music and the atmosphere and stop worrying about who you can fuck. A wise friend of mine once said something that I think you ladies should remember....People are more likely to remember a friend or fan than a fuck.
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