Break

Have you ever gone through one of those phases where for a time you find yourself listening almost exclusively to one band's discography? I've had the pleasure of going through one this summer for a band whom I have known of for a long while and enjoyed, but never given a thorough chance.

Song: Break

Artist: Three Days Grace 

For those of you just tuning in, you wouldn't know that I have a thing for music videos with intriguing plots and more substance than just the band performing their song. Not to say I don't like just general performance-y type videos, but I tend to appreciate ones with more of a movie quality to them.

This suggestion actually comes from somewhere in the middle, where the band is technically performing, but the setting is not quite the traditional stage.

The video involves putting each member of the band into their own separate room that matches the color of their clothing, and finding out what happens if those different colors were to, say, mix. And by mix I of course mean splatter over the contents of the neighboring rooms, as is partially shown in the above picture. Sounds weird, but the result is quite aesthetically pleasing.

Musically, "Break" is a rather well-rounded hard rock song. The guitars are somewhat distorted, the drums are intense, and the vocals are a mix of the clean and the grungy. What else could you ask for, really? It's very straightforward and edgy, becoming of the heavy style Three Days Grace has become known for over the years, but with a slight, somewhat lighter, twist.

Lyrically, according to lead guitarist Barry Stock, the track is about how "if you don't like the situation you're in or what's going on around you, it's entirely up to you to break out of it. That's it. It's pretty much just breaking out and letting loose. You don't have to be stuck in whatever it is you're dealing with. Whether it's good or bad, it's your choice to make a change."


Also, one last note in regards to this blog; I'm going to be experimenting in the future with putting photos in the posts to add a little more color and visual, like I did with this one. No guarantees on how long it will go for, but I'm kind of liking it already, so here's to trying something new!

Bones

I had all but forgotten about this gem I stumbled across a few months ago until an ad for it popped up on Youtube and I remembered that I had never talked about it on here.

Song: Bones
Artist: Young Guns

An alternative rock band from Buckinghamshire and London, UK, the Young Guns have made a name for themselves playing the supporting role for a range of high-profile talent, including the Lostprophets, Bon Jovi, Guns N' Roses and Queens of the Stone Age. However, their own talent is something of note as well, not just that of who they've shared a stage with.

"Bones" comes across with a very traditional feel, where the drum/guitar parts are very straightforward and concise. Not to be lost among that beautiful simplicity is the precision of each note strummed or cymbal hit. It adds an open edge to the instrumental backing of the track that lends itself to the haunting ideas presented in the lyrics.

Speaking of the lyrics, I personally find the heart of this track to be in its lyrical content. Word-wise, it has a flow to it unlike anything I've ever heard. Nothing feels forced or out-of-place, and the verses are woven with a sort of deep message that is intricately crafted to a point where it seems as though every individual word was placed quite deliberately as part of the bigger theme-scheme.

Singer Gustav Wood's vocals serve to compliment the lyrics well, being clean enough to comprehend with an extra flavor of passion behind each syllable. As with many other songs I've featured on here over time, these vocals are in that range where they neither too grungy nor too light, finding the middle ground perfect for a song of this type/caliber.

I haven't had the chance to give the rest of the Young Guns' music a listen, but regardless, "Bones" is a strong testament to what a good rock song can, and maybe sometimes should, sound like. Give it a try, and if you're anything like me you'll probably wish you had found it sooner, or in my case not forgotten about it for so long.

Beyond The Fall

One of the most underrated parts of the concert experience is getting to hear the smaller opening acts who have to go out and play in front of a crowd impatient for the band they actually came to see. That being said, here's an amazing band who I would never have even heard of if they hadn't opened for a show I recently went to see with a friend.

Artist: Beyond The Fall

According to their Reverbnation page (linked above), Beyond The Fall is a "hard hitting melodic rock band from "L/A Maine" that formed mid-2009, that focuses on heavy grooves, melodic structures, and musicianship with an original feel and style."

Going from the meager handful of their tracks that I've actually heard, I would have to say that that description is pretty accurate.

Their songs have a very well-put-together feel to them, with structures that are just as clean as they are complex and intricate. The vocals are quite precise, and are neither too heavy or light, finding a nice middle to appeal to ears of all different backgrounds.

Instrumentally, the guitar and drums are impressive, showcasing the technical abilities of the band members in addition to their talent when it comes to just putting an exciting rock song together.

Some standout tracks include;
• Alone
• The Way
• Where You've Gone
• Hard To Find
• My Comfort
• Another Time

Coincidentally, it would appear that as they are a smaller, not-so-famous, band, the best way to listen to their music online is through the site linked previously. And if you decide to give them a chance, you'll find that I just listed all the songs from that site as standout tracks. The great part about that is that it's totally true.