Hey, guys, it's me again. Unfortunately, I cannot bring to you what I had promised in last month's column.
The book I was going to review had an extremely long list at the library, and I was unable to get to a bookstore in time. Also, due to the poor weather, I was unable to catch the showing of any movie I had planned to see. If you add that to immense schoolwork, and several personal issues, it's been a really busy month for me. So, please forgive me this week. Instead I'll review a few artists you'd like to listen to.
First up is Keane. This British band is classified as pop, but it takes the genre to a whole new level. Without the use of a lead guitarist, Keane sets itself above the others with its albums, using unique lyricism, rich chords and smooth vocals. The lead singer, Tom Chaplin, has a voice reminiscent of Freddie Mercury and has an impressive range. The group's first album, "Hopes and Fears," gives a lighter and brighter side to the band, while its follow-up album, "Under the Iron Sea," presents a much darker tone. My only problem is song length. The songs seem to draw you in, and drop you just at the good part. I still quote these guys as one of my favorite bands, nevertheless.
Next up, we'll take a look at Muse, another English band. However, this group goes for the tricky genre of rock, using powerful bass lines and melodious piano parts to create a mellow sound, almost gothic. The group's songwriting style is very philosophical, using impressive lyrics to emphasize a point, along with passion in power in vocals and instrumentals. Some of its hits include "Time is Running Out," and "Knights of Cydonia," which has been featured in Guitar Hero 3. The only problem I find with this band is its lack of variety.
I'd like to see these guys mix it up a little bit.
Let's move on to a harder band, The Rasmus. These guys from Finland have hit it big, with such hits as "In the Shadows," and "Sail Away."
The guitar parts are generally addictive, drawing the listener into the movement of notes, and taking them into their imagination. With a mystique surrounding a modern sound, these guys know how to rock with passion, not only with vocals, but also with every instrument. The group's genre is diverse, moving to softer songs at times. In fact, the lead singer, Lauri Ylönen, has even performed a ballad with Ville Valo, lead singer of HIM, another Finnish group. The voices of the two mixed flawlessly, showing the diversity of this vocalist and his ability to match with anything.
What next, what next? I could go on to discuss Weird Al, but I don't think you'd be interested, or that there would be enough room. I could list a few unique groups, like the Futuristic Sex Robots, or Me First and the Gimme Gimmes. However, I think I'll stick with the foreign theme that seems to have accidentally accumulated over the course of this column, and review Orange Range, a band from Japan. A rock band, it has had powerful hits internationally, due to the popularity of animes such as "Naruto" and "Bleach," where its songs are featured as openings. The lyrics are passionate (look up the translations, as they are in Japanese "¦ go figure), and the group's style is unique. The average song structure in our society is basic, but these guys take that further, bending repetition to include new melodies, new beats and rhythms, and dramatic words. Using rap in between the rock, the group is able to evoke a powerful sound from its choruses, emphasizing a point made. The group has had hits such as "Hana," "Thank You," and a favorite, "Asterisk."
Well, that's all from me. I hope I'll be able to come through with the Stephen King novel "Duma Key" next month.
I've decided to add a trivia question into my column. Here it goes: What song by Darude was a chart-topper in 2000? First one to send me an e-mail with the answer will be mentioned next time.
Until then, I wish you long days and pleasant nights.
Adam Munio is a junior at Unadilla Valley Central School. He can be reached at pentwarrior@yahoo.com.
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