Big Rock Finish… reviews of independent music

Name: Random Order Album: dimples and Anti depressants. Released: 2004 Members: Morgan Doctor Drums & Percussion John Jowlett Trombone & Gong S. Lynn Phillips Lead/Backup Vox & Guitar Leyla Tshongo - Bass Guitar Violin - Julia “can’t eat” Wedman Violin - Aisslinn “ace” Nosky Violoncello Felix “the cat” Deak Website: www.randomorder.ca Favourite Song: Double Standard Girls (track 2)

I saw this grouping of people at my first Senor Kasio show. They were having inter-instrument sex on stage. Disturbing in a donky-show type of fashion where you’re slightly disgusted, but you can’t look away. And me with my newly acquired super-camera taking picture like mad was the only reason the lead singer came up to me I think. It’s nice to be able to say “Not only am I a horrible photographer, I also review music!” is the reason you, my public, are reading this now.

My iTunes says Random order is Alternative (my internet connection is down whilst I write this, so no myspace cheats for this review!) and it’s definitely an alternate to what I normally listen to. I think calling it Funk would be a safe bet since it swings pretty nicely, Ska too. It’s a happy type of music. Is “Happy” a genre? It should be, considering “Emo” is a genre of music by now.

I think my first comment is going to be due to growing up in the bubblegum pop generation. I keep thinking these songs are endless. My iTunes confirms many of Random Order’s songs are closer to the 5 minute mark, rather than the 3 minute 10 second maximum of radio airplay. Not that I know where one would be able to successfully make any of their songs shorter, but there we have it. I love the fact Random Order has instruments other than the very standard guitar, bass and drums. I think it’s because I love saying “Trombone”

My opinion in where I would listen to Random Order? Live on stage. Their stage show is so awesome it’s definitely a must-see. If you’re confined to listening to CD’s and/or legally procured mp3’s, then I would say at a party. While I’m not entirely convinced a band enjoys hearing they make great background music, Random Order is a band you can easily groove to with a group of people, and is non-offensive enough that it’s safe no matter who walks into your humble abode. After the last comment, is it to risque to say Random Order makes good make-out music? I might have to try that some time soon.

Name: Stutter Album: Stutter Released: 2006 Members: Mo: Lead vocals Marty: Drums Jol: Lead guitar Dom: Bass player Linz: Keyboardist Websites: www.stuttermusic.com Favorite song: 21

Ok so my favorite song is deft. 21!! It has this nice dancey kinda feel song to it, where you just want to get up and dance all around. And it’s a very good song if you want to celebrate your 21st birthday

Stutter is a pop/rock band. They are from Ontario, Canada. Play their own instruments and write their own music. And so much fun to hang around with. (Editors Note: Lucky. She gets to hang out with bands she reviews. I get mp3’s in the mail. ~rokky)

They seem to have alot of fun and get their fans all jumping around like crazy people lol Their songs are just like No Doubt kind of music. (Editor’s note: No Doubt would of course be a ska band. According to Wikipedia, a third-wave ska band.) So when you think of No Doubt think about Stutter and only listen to them You’ll be happy you did!!!

~<3 Connnerz

So it’s taken a while, way too long in fact, but I’ve finally gotten around to writing about seeing Random Order (www.randomorder.ca) at Sneaky Dee’s back on March 3rd. 3 weeks late. What can I say, I’m learning what it is to live the life of a musician, along with their (non-existent) time-management skills. Here’s what I remember. They’re a really fun band. I had no expectations going in since I wasn’t there to really see them, but I liked what I both saw and heard.

Their music is really pop-oriented I would say. It’s fun and catchy and very uplifting. I do believe I detect what some would call Ska in there as well, since I was watching people dance in what I believe to be the authentic fashion of what people dance like when listening to ska music.

Heh, there was a trombone. That was just awesome.

Other than that? Instrument sex. My friend Alex offered to lend a guitar when the band’s guitar’s string broke. They declined. Then we found out why. While I’m not opposed to the idea, I just never thought of inter-instrument sex to be a very popular thing, but Random Order proved me wrong. Guitar-on-trombone sex was super hot, even if the trombone “came too quickly”. Guitar-on-Bass sex was pretty hot, but somewhat disturbing since they’re pretty close cousins, and considering I can’t envision myself doing it with a monkey, it was just strange.

Anyways, if anyone gets a chance to see them, go for it. They rave about being a political band on their page, but maybe it was my earplugs, or lack of interest in politics, but I really didn’t notice. So if you’re also anti-politics, go see them anyways because at least it’s not offensive politics.