Big Rock Finish… reviews of independent music

I was supposed to go to the first Awaking State (http://awakingstate.com/) show of the season, and of this particular line-up’s career tonight. Unfortunately Mother Nature decided to step in and dump a proper Canadian Winter upon us. While that meant I was able to weasel my way into staying home from work, it also means I am forced to stay home from the show as the venue will not be opening for the event.

The show has been re-scheduled for March 7th, 2008 at the same venue.

The band had this to say:

Dear friends, fans and well wishers alike…….

I unfortunately have to send out this message canceling tonights event due to Weather complications. The club will be shutdown, and therefor none of the bands will be playing tonights event. Thanks to everyone for taking such an interest, and the bands Suburban Sunrise and TennFold who will see some dates with Awaking State yet…..

The make-up date is FRIDAY MARCH 7th at Groove Lounge, and this might very well be our album release party as i’ll be back from California with the straight fucking goods….Sylvia Massy seems to think i got something going on and seeing as she’s done Tool, Econoline Crush, red hot chili’s etc…i get the feeling she knows what shes talking about.,….
Here is to a big 2008!

Until then
i urge all of you to join our fan page so that we can keep you posted on what we’re doing and so we can let you know about other events, offers, giveaways and all that other fun stuff that comes along with supporting this band and my projects….
join it here > http://www.facebook.com/pages/Awaking-State/20829154896?ref=share

All the best! be safe in this weather!

Kent DS-1 of Awaking State

Their Bio is as follows:

AWAKING STATE – A Biography.

Moody and angry. Electronic music with a powerful Hard Rock edge.

Awaking State is the brainchild of Kent “DS-1” Martell (Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano and Programming). Kent has been signed to Toronto’s longest running Drum & Bass label, Furious Records, since the age of 19 and has gone on to be one of the top Drum & Bass artists and DJs in Canada over the past several years. During that time, he experienced extensive club play, chart topping songs and a victory in Toronto’s Edge 102.1’s Nine Inch Nails [Only] Remix Contest.

As well as garnering tonnes of airplay on 102.1 and putting him face to face with his greatest influence Trent Reznor, that victory planted the seeds of Awaking State in his mind.

Kent began writing songs, while at the same time hunting for band members who shared his vision. What transpired in the following year and a half became Awaking State. Long time friend Jason Iwanko (Bass Guitar and Backing Vocals) was the first to join, a chance meeting in a bar produced Justin Lant (Lead Guitar and Backing Vocals), and an extensive search of the internet brought Brandon E.M. Savage (Drums and Backing Vocals) into the fold.

Together, these four musicians mix Rock, Industrial, and Drum & Bass with a Pop sensibility that comes through to deliver the hooks. The melodies of Awaking State could grace the airwaves of any radio station, but with their distinctive electronic edge they are separated them from the cookie-cutter music that circulates through the main stream. Their music is mixed with a beefed up live show that isn’t expected from an independent band and always leaves the crowd wanting more.

Watch out; Awaking State is coming for you…

Awaking State features:

Kent Martell – Lead Vocals, Guitar, Piano and Programming
Jason Iwanko – Bass and Backing Vocals
Justin Lant – Guitar and Backing Vocals
Brandon E.M. Savage – Drums and Backing Vocals

Name: Señor Kasio Album: I Love It EP Released: 2007 Members: Steve Diguer – razor-sharp synths and vocals Alex Brûlé – sleazy seventies guitar Adam Warner – big, pounding rock-n-roll drums Website: www.senorkasio.com Favourite Song: Face Down on the Sidewalk Bleeding [Track: 3]

It’s an EP. It has three official tracks plus a bonus track. Señor Kasio actually stems from a well popular band from many moons ago called “Brother Love Canal” I’ll leave your own minds to imagine what that could mean. (Because few want to venture into mine.)

The songs are electronic. They’re techno beats. They’re stuff I recognize that if it were still 1995 I would be listening to. Not that I wouldn’t listen to it now, but I just remember buying my first Dance Mix ’95 tape, and these songs kind of remind me of those, but with more fun and better, sillier lyrics. While I can totally see “Face Down on the Sidewalk Bleeding” being a true story (after having enough people comment and touch MY tattoo without prior permission) sometimes to get your point across you have to get a little punchy.

If I ever threw a big gay bash party I would play Señor Kasio loud, and would play it proud. I’ve been listening to this EP in my car and it’s fun as hell, there’s nothing like screaming along at the top of your lungs to “I Wanna F***” just because it’s available to scream along to.

Anyways, onto the show…

Sneaky Dee’s on March 3, 2007. Like anal without lube, Señor Kasio started their set unexpectedly and without warning. As far as I know, their first show ever with the current line-up, you would expect a tall bald gay rockin’ cowboy for someone who claims to be “The gay-electro Garth Brooks of the north.” Well, he delivered.

For consisting of a bald guitarist, a bald drummer, and a bald singer with a cowboy hat, there’s a lot of energy on that stage. The songs are f*cking hilarious. I’ll say it about the show and I’ll say it about the EP. The crowd helped a lot, I haven’t seen that many people actually dancing on a dance floor in a good long while. But go to a show. you’ll soon find it’s impossible to not dance. Even if you are on fire, you will dance. (Trust me, I was attempting movement that can be described as dancing with a dSLR camera, a camera bag, and a messenger bag strapped around my neck/shoulder in 3 different directions)

Steve’s voice cut out early which was a bit of a downer, but as a true showman, the show went on. Even when a female show-goer jumped the stage and started stripping the singer. The bar was kind enough to provide a glass of hot water and lemon. The songs worked well with a voice that was cracking under pressure, not sure how well it worked with his throat though. I think everyone was having too much fun to attempt to critique what everything sounded like. I haven’t had this much fun since… discovering gay cowboy electronic rock music.

By the way, did I mention my tattoo is down my pants?