REVIEW: Marianas Trench, Roney, Kel, Joshua, ADH and Ty--folk rock, rap, grunge rock, comedy and burlesque?

REVIEW: Marianas Trench, Roney, Kel, Joshua, ADH and Ty--folk rock, rap, grunge rock, comedy and burlesque?

Rock band Marianas Trench, John Paul Roney & We The Living, rapper Kel Spencer, folk rocker Joshua Bartholomew, grunge group Another Dead Hero, stand-up comedian Ty Barnett, and a quick nod to an upcoming event by the Burlesque Social Club !

You may have noticed if you've been reading the reviews that I haven't covered any thrash, metal or extreme punk or even electronic/dance or emo bands yet. That's by design. I find these bands probably the hardest to analyze and so far, of the few I've looked at so far, none have really popped out at me yet. That could just be me or it could simply be it's harder for certain types of art to find a unique voice and presentation—at least one that catches my attention. It's taking some time, but it will happen, I promise.

With pop, rock and even rap, I will often focus on the lyrics first, then the musical construction and then the singers tonality and quality. If the lyrics are mindless, then unless the other two elements are kick-ass, it's not likely to get my attention. If the lyrics are relevant, which tells me that the songwriter has a burning passion about life and needs to express themselves (whether that expression is about love, money, cars, or social commentary) and that usually comes across in the vocal delivery. If it doesn't, or the musical construction isn't overly unique or compelling, then at least the lyrics still catch my attention and I'm likely to say that I wish that the singer would commit more fully to their song. I see promise in them and believe that it's only a matter of time, if they find the courage to fully commit to their art, before they break out and start making their mark.

The best of course, are already doing all of this—with passionate, vulnerable commitment to their songs, their music, their dance, their performance, or in other words, everything that is about their art and themselves. But even when I find groups or individual artists that aren't quite there yet, I can usually feel that there is something more going on with them. It's peeking out and tempting me to come and take a closer look.

That's really the reason I so often talk about groups who have something relevant to say. It may not be the lyrics (though often it is with rappers, the best of whom are street poets and revolutionaries at heart) but it's something. It may be the vocalist. Some gifted individuals have incredible voices but never fully open themselves up and commit to the song so that they're singing with every emotion open and raw and exposed. Others don't have such naturally gifted voices, but they give everything they have and are and will be doing that at every performance and as a result, you are drawn in, you can't help it. Many big stars are in this second category and tragically, many perfect voices are never heard in public because they never make the leap of faith.

It's the same with the visual arts, including dance and film and the written arts. Technique always helps, and so does raw talent, but in the end, it's passion and commitment. It's the willingness to go deep within yourself, find your unique voice, push yourself past your own fears and false limitations and then risk everything by exposing that deepest part of yourself in your art. It's the same with any form of art, any form of music, any form of dance, any form of life itself.

And that's also why I'm always harping on the idea of going beyond your comfort zone—looking and listening to other forms of art and science. It will expand your range and your perceptions. The more you know and experience and learn will help you reach that deep place within yourself and it will help you deal with the anxieties and fears that you will experience in your journey as an artist. Other forms of art, watching a dance recital, listening to music that you don't like, going to an art exhibit, watching movies just for the cinematography (or just listening to a movie rather than watching it)—even learning about science or engineering or technology, or learning about other cultures and their customs and art forms—all of it will give you ideas that you can use.

I'm not talking about copying other forms. This is more a subtle melding and merging of ideas into something new and infinitely more complex and ultimately, creative. Let it in…and don't be afraid to look deeper and discover who you really are.

To be that open (and deep) is frightening, I know, but we, your audience can tell. That's what I'm looking for. Sometimes I find it in a group or individual and it's already obvious and full-blown in its power. Often times, I'm finding only hints and teasers of that power—most of the individuals reviewed are in the latter category. Make no mistake, it's tough to get into one of my reviews and that brings up another point, which is "shameless self-promotion."

Yes, it's OK. You should be promoting yourself. You should be reaching out (not in arrogance, that will turn people off, if not actually against you) to others, constantly. It's frightening to do. Rest assured, for most of us, it's terrifying, so it's not just you. No one likes rejection. No one likes failure. But to succeed in your passion and your purpose, you must face your fears. Every failure gets you a step closer to your goal. The greatest and most tragic failure is not to try. It's called regret. In the end, only the regrets will be what you remember with sadness, not the failures.

Think of it this way. There are 117 million plus people on MySpace. There are HUNDREDS of THOUSANDS of bands, dancers, artists, actors, writers, filmmakers and other media artists on MySpace—and that's JUST ON MYSPACE! Add to that, that there are far fewer of us out there who do reviews or critiques, from major news organizations and magazines, to industry reps, to online bloggers like me. It takes a lot time to research and write about you (I don't just do the two sentences and a ton of links that other blogs do)—just as it takes you a lot of time to perfect your skills and give performances.

Talent is important, yes, true, absolutely. Putting yourself in our paths is a risk, since we may not like your work (the best people are polite about it, knowing that tastes vary widely and no one likes everything they hear or see—and that's exactly how you should see it as well.) BUT you need to do it, there are more of you and few of us. Do you want to rely on the luck of the draw, hoping that somehow, by magic, we'll discover you?

So put yourself out there and see each failure as a step forward. One step closer to that goal of success. Be true to yourself. Do this for yourself, not for ego, not for self-esteem, not for love, not for acceptance, not for money (though hopefully, it will lead to that!) Do this and face your fears, do all of it, because it's your passion—and nothing anyone can say, whether it be "yes-man suck-up" praise or brutal rejection, will stop you from pursuing your art.

So who did I find for this week? Quite a mix. One is just a plug for an old art form, some are easy on the ears, others grab you roughly, but to me, all show potential and one made me laugh, but then, that was his intent.

Marianas Trench is a rock/pop punk band out of Vancouver, B.C., Canada. They're a high energy group with great, really interesting vocals with wonderful tonality in those voices and wonderful harmonies (in rock, imagine that!!!) as well. They are hyperactive and full of life, so much so, that pop punk almost seems a misnomer—almost! They have the complexity associated more with rock than punk but it's combined with those raw, wailing, hyperkinetic vocals. The lyrics bite and wound, but they are also packed with emotion and are also backed up with strong, well-constructed instrumentals. Say Anything is very catchy and attention grabbing. The group seemed almost "Beach Boy"-like at times, especially with the beautiful harmonies, but just when you think you've got them pegged, everything takes a sudden turn left and you're off on a wild and frenetic ride into a strange, fun mix of rock and attitude (almost punk or metal in nature.) With songs like these, including Shake Tramp, it was almost like the Beach Boys—or rather, the Beach Boys on acid! Definitely worth the cost of a ticket—quite a ride. See their site for upcoming shows.

John Paul Roney and We The Living (formerly The Profits) are acoustic and rock, by their own admission. This is easy listening with gentle, romantic-edged vocals and lyrics. Roney has an effortless range and is well-suited to ballads, with interesting emotionally-connected lyrics and just as interesting, complex musicality with the instrumentals. It's a balanced and sophisticated mix. The group shows a very varied range of styles within a style. London Bridge is much different and more lyrical than the almost 1950's feel that you get with Sex at Six—though the name and the content of the latter song is hardly anything you'd ever have heard in the 1950's! See their site for upcoming shows and locations.

Kel Spencer is a rough, tough talking, macho rapper. The raps are delivered in a powerful, traditional way but in spite of the speed of his delivery, they are clear, concise and easy to understand. The raps are fast-talking, twisting, turning and driven, as clearly demonstrated with The Building. Pressure was my favorite. It not only delved into social issues, showing its street poetry and revolutionary roots, but it also showed very intriguing and unexpected Jamaican influences. That particular little twist definitely got my attention. See Kel's site for his upcoming shows.

Joshua Bartholomew is out of Toronto, Canada and says he is a folk rocker. Don't let the "folk" part scare you off. He has a haunting voice with great tonality and range. His music starts at an easy pace but continually builds a moody feel. So yes, his voice does has a folk quality to it, but that voice fits with the slower pace and his moody, mesmerizing, atmospheric rock songs like The Mirror's Always… or Charming Alarm. There's almost a Pink Floyd quality in the created atmosphere and the uneasiness in the music's vocal/lyrical/instrumental and overall musical construction. There is a definite rock opera feel to it, as well as an unplugged feel, which makes for an interesting effect. The ballads especially (What Happened to Our Love and Don't Go Away) are deep and intensely emotional, but still very controlled in range. Mr. Bartholomew can definitely sing!

Another Dead Hero is under the rock/grunge banner, though I would almost put them into a sort of gothic punk arena (assuming there is such a thing!) With their creepy delivery and raw, unsettling lyrics backed up by powerful, well-constructed instrumentals, they are hard to ignore. Even within those almost typical sounding instrumentals, you detect a subtle, much more complex musical construction in the background. AEA is my favorite of their MySpace selections. I'd guess these folks were deeply influenced by Kurt Cobain but not overwhelmed by him or any other grunge music. Their music is still unique as well as creepy, unsettling, spooky, and disturbing—but very fun to listen to!

Ty Barnett is a stand-up comic who's been on Last Comic Standing 4, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Comedy Central, The Late Late Show and Premium Blend. If you've got a fast connection to the Internet and need a chuckle or two, Mr. Barnett has uploaded some videos of his performances/routines. It's definitely hilarious stuff. Try especially, NBA Fight! or Superman Returns…Drunk! With luck, we'll all be seeing much more of this talented comic.

Finally, a quick nod to an older art form. Burlesque. It's more than just women dancing around in pasties and g-strings ala Gypsy Rose Lee, and definitely not to be confused with stripping or exotic dancing. In the past, it also included stand-up comedy, comedy/skit routines, and even singing and other acts—in addition to the dancing girls in the g-strings and pasties. Burlesque Social Club is neo-burlesque and is having an upcoming extravaganza Dec1-3 up north in Vancouver, B.C. I haven't reviewed this performance so this is just a nod to those interested in this older entertainment form. This particular group seems to focus more on the pasties and g-strings rather than the more vaudevillian aspects of burlesque. However, those g-strings were typically the most popular part of burlesque performances. So if you're a fan, or are intrigued. This is your chance, check their MySpace link for more information.

Marianas Trench is at www.myspace.com/marianastrench
John Paul Roney is at www.myspace.com/johnpaulroney
Kel Spencer is at www.myspace.com/kelspencer
Joshua Bartholomew is at www.myspace.com/joshuabartholomew
Another Dead Hero is at www.myspace.com/adh
Ty Barnett is at www.myspace.com/comediantybarnett
Burlesque Social Club is at www.myspace.com/chazroyalburlesque

I rarely say ahead of time who is going to get reviewed, because that commits me and I only want to do positive reviews. So it's a two edged sword. The artists know I'm going to go to their live show and review it, but also, that I may not like it. Still, sometimes it's not worth it to me to pay the price of the ticket, or the show is sold out, or something happens and I can't get to the venue—so I always have that excuse.

Anyway, I will be reviewing, if all goes well, the live performance of Summit Avenue when they come to the SHOWBOX in Seattle on November 18^th. (No real fears there, I loved their MySpace music offerings and have already covered them in a previous review.)

But I'm also going to be going to Pyramid Brewery's GET SNOWED IN party on November 11^th to see Matt Costa and a band that emailed me with a shameless self-promotion (their words!), The Evergreen Effect. It's at the Seattle location and assuming that I can get a ticket, of course.

So if you're interested in seeing these groups live and you're in Seattle or surrounds, then now you know. These dates are coming up quickly.

Also, upcoming at some point, hopefully, the review of the new dance magazine Movmnt. (With that, I foresee a perfect time to go over the wisdom of dancer/choreographer Lar Lubovitch. Good advice for any artist or even any technical or business person. So, we'll see.) And some online TV shows, or at least one, as well as some artists/painters/photographers.

As usual, and especially now that you understand how important it is to promote yourself, if you know of an artist (music, dance, visual arts, theatre arts, film arts—like lighting design, etc.) that deserves some attention, give me a shout. They need to have a MySpace page or other website that showcases their work—this so I can look at it and so I can point readers to their work. If their art is kinetic (kinetic sculpture or dance—i.e. movement) then still photographs are good but a clean, clear video is better (along with still images!) You can find me at MySpace or can email me through this blog.

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CG Anderson is a 10 year new media provocateur involved in media, art, technology and the online world. Also a writer, blogger and novelist. CG's comments are personal and opinionated and solely the responsibility of the author, so there. Don't like the opinions, disagree, agree, don't know? Great, make a comment—clean ones will be allowed, netiquette-challenged ones will be ignored!
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