Sunday, March 27, 2011

CD Review: Default


Call them by any other name, but Default is definitely a group that has staying power. Comes and Goes is their fourth album from this Canadian band. Though this album dropped back in October ‘10, their songs hit the US charts gathering new fans and surprising old fans with amazing new sounds.

With singles such as “Supposed To Be” have had fans new and old alike making them a more permanent household name here in the states. Doesn’t hurt that this band was discovered by Nickelback’s singer Chad Kroeger. Some call Default post grunge, some refer to them as more alternative, hearing songs like “Turn it On” definitely has this old rock style that also popular group Halestorm is bringing back to forefront of today’s modern rock, Default proves they have the quality and ability to create great music.

Vocalist Dallas Singer has an incredible voice that carries and holds through the strong rifts, hard chords, key changes and tons of instrumentals in the entire album. “Comes and Goes” begins hard and fast, sliding into smooth rhythmic ballads such as “Little to Late” and ends just like it began. “Show Me,” reminded me a little of that old flair Goo Goo Dolls are so famous for. This orchestral rich song carries the instrumentals and vocals and deepens the melody, heightening your journey through the song.

Their album cover song surprised me. It carried a notable dissonance not found in any of their other songs on the album. Eerily beautiful and rich in the melodies and vocals, “Comes and Goes,” was quite enjoyable and just proved that Default is capable of more then just hard rock tunes.

Towards the end of the album “Fascination” definitely caught my ear. It was hard and rough textured. Real solid rifts and beats that picked up and carried the album to the end from the lighter tunes and ballads in the middle of the album.

Overall, Default “Comes and Goes” plays well, easy to listen to, hits those hard beats that keep your head nodding and definitely worthy of some airtime. You can catch them at their website at www.defaultonline.com and keep up with whats new on their facebook or tweet.


Written by: Morris Goodwin of STILLCODA

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Music as a Weapon Review: Korn, Disturbed, Sevendust, In This Moment





In an era where music becomes less and less original and live shows cost just as much as your cell phone bill, we get reminded there’s light in the darkness. While local radio stations play the same “hit” songs over and over again, a tour has been drawing the blood of its bands and of its fans. This tour draws attention by being real with its bands compel us to live free for a few hours. The Music as a Weapon Tour has hit across the US and has made its mark once again in Mankato MN. With known bands like Korn, Disturbed, Sevendust and In This Moment, it’s no wonder it’s grown rave reviews all across the board. A line of people, tickets in hand, band t-shirts galore and it’s only a matter of time before people feel alive again. It’s a night to remember.

Amongst the thralls of people, this is the first time for most to see In This Moment live. What they don’t know but are desperately hoping for is a show they won’t forget. In the middle of the stage, an epic mic-stand is set. Boulders of metal, skulls, antlers and heads of dolls entice the audience to pay attention. Lead singer Maria walks out and means business. Grabbing our attention, she sings acoustic until a dramatic moment of completion when the rest of the band arrives. Throughout the entire set, the energy and charisma of the band is contagious. Crowd surfers begin to pile out, fist pumps in the air and the night has officially begun. This is definitely a band worth being on this tour but also to get the venue in the right mind to have an awesome night.

Next up is definitely a local favorite almost everywhere, Sevendust. All you have to do is look at the set banner and not only does the energy rise but so does the temperature. It’s been awhile since Sevendust has graced the Minnesota area, so those who have waited patiently are about to get their much needed Sevendust dose. From the first, middle to last song, the boys put on a performance that will be remembered for years to come. The crowd involvement is something astonishing as every single person from the floor to the back bleachers are one. The bands gift for putting on a great show is little comparison to what was seen tonight. Sevendust always has a home here.

As the set changes, lights dance across the stage, fog rises and out comes Disturbed. The crowds energy and determination to keep this night alive forever, gives the band just what they need: power. A show stopping performance keeps the standard of the night going. Playing hits from the very first album to the very latest one, every song can be heard as everyone in the place sings along. Welcome back to MN Disturbed.

The real show stoppers have finally approached the stage. The signature stand is revealed and all hell breaks loose. Korn has officially marked its presence on us once again. Electrifying as always, the guys of Korn bring the night to its highest high and brand the knowledge that real music is still here. The thrumming of the bass, beats from the drums, rifts from the guitar and the passion from the vocals always makes its mark for those who love Korn. We’ve grown accustomed to expecting the very best from this band and we’re never disappointed. Maybe that’s why they’re one of the original names out there that always puts music back where it’s suppose to be.

This Music as a Weapon tour has graced it’s presence on us once again and it’s a proven fact that it will be wanted here every year. The bands fit perfectly into what this tour is all about, using music as a weapon for life and believing in something more than you. We’re reminded that we’re all important but also that there’s a world out there that is beckoning us to listen. Until another tour, we shall live in the memories of this night.

Be sure to check out all of the bands sites for news, tours and of course music!

Korn:

www.korntv.com/

www.myspace.com/korn

www.facebook.com/korn

Disturbed:

www.disturbed1.com/

www.facebook.com/Disturbed

www.myspace.com/disturbed

Sevendust:

www.sevendust.com

twitter.com/SEVENDUST

www.myspace.com/sevendust

www.facebook.com/Sevendust

In This Moment:

www.facebook.com/officialinthismoment

www.myspace.com/inthismomen

www.inthismoment.com


To see more MAAWT photos,
go to

www.stillcodaphotography.com