BANDS OF THE MONTH - JUNE

BANDS OF THE MONTHIWRESTLEDABEARONCE

I think it is no surprise to anyone when I choose IWRESTLEDABEARONCE as this months Band of the Month. If you're a reader of the site, you know how much I think this band kicks ass, and how excited I've been for their debut, Its All Happening.

It is, in fact, all happening for the members of IWRESTLEDABEARONCE. Hailing for Louisiana, the new wave grindcore act has exploded into the music scene. Odds are, you've probably heard of them at some point, and odds are, that you were either hearing great, or terrible, things about them. IWABO seems to be one of thoes 'no-middle-ground' bands. Most people have a very strong opinion either way.

IWABO creates a unique combination of ...well, pretty much everything. There are elements of jazz, metal, classical, hardcore, polka, deathcore, trip-hop, 80's, alternative and grindcore (as well as nameless other genres sprinkled in throughout their music). Wicked fast fingers, light speed drums and a great mix of clean and rough vocals. IWABO literally combines every genre and aspect of music possible, into their songs (slightly exaggerated...but just slightly). Vocals are where most people will probably find the most beef with this band. Both the singing and screaming is very unique. A lot of people have a problem with the singing, but if they can get over the fact that it is not 'pitch perfect' I'm sure everyone of them would love the album.

In case you don't know, the vocalist is, in fact, a chick. A part of which makes this band awesome, is the band itself. Everyone seems out of a movie or something. A tatto'd frontwoman who comes onstage in a nice flowerd dress, only to unleash a brutal scream. A guitarist who is best described as a tall, very skinny version of the Cowardly Lion from The Wizard Of Oz. The other guitarist asthe token 'normal looking dude' of the band. Add in a crazy southern bassist and hilarious drummer and you have the next sitcom already written for you. Although, it would have to be about a grindcore band... but hey, I'd watch it!

I've loved IWABO's style since I've fist picked up their EP a while back. And I can tell you that, their debut, Its All Happening, is A+ as well. They were an easy pick for band of the month for me. I urge everyone to check out their album and go see them live (they are SICK live!). Check them out.

MYSPACE: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE
MERCH: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE
iTUNES: IWRESTLEDABEARONCE

Matrocksteady's Pick

Jovian

With the release of their first EP, Lazers, this month on June 5th, Jovian is this month's BOTM for me. With influences ranging from In Fear and Faith to Dance Gavin Dance and most of the Rise Records crew, Jovian bring with them an arsenal of elegant and chaotic vocals from their front men, Seth Bunton and Caleb Corrill respectively, backed by a fury of guitars from Nick Spencer and Evan Metz all wrapped up in a tight little blanket of rhythm by bassist 'Boogie' and drummer Ian MacDonald. The sextet write a brand of post-hardcore in their cozy town of Floyd Knobs in Indiana that may resemble that of Dance Gavin Dance, but with true musical inspection holds many differences between the two.

This underage crew (the eldest are vocalists at the ripe age of 19) have showcased their talent in seven songs so far that touch on subjects such as society and the current state of the world economy, personal vices, and the relationship troubles that come along with facing your vices. Explained to me via myspace by vocalist Caleb, many of the more confusing screamed lyrics are real life events such as parties and shows they've been at and he even dispelled the meaning behind the use of the term 'lazers' throughout their debut EP and it's naming: "Lazers the word is nothing more than the sound effect we use in the songs and thought it'd be fun to name the EP that". Disappointing yet satisfying all at the same time to have an answer. The spoken word in their EP's closer, "Horizontical," is a quote from the cult classic, Fight Club which is an obvious, yet stunningly perfect, choice for an EP focused around society.

Jovian's music is a wonderful array of guitar lead lines and soaring vocals that hint at R&B at times. The potential behind each musician is immense, and with continued work over the course of the next year or so, these guys could go somewhere with what they do. With only one comparison to give them to, Jovian brings forth a needed, unique, breath of fresh air to the post-hardcore scene that everyone needs to soak up while they're around. Especially with their debut record costing them only $500 to produce at a local studio. Nothing feels out of place in their recordings and they have a sense of relaxation in their writing that shows they are comfortable with each other as musicians and individuals; which is exactly what is needed for a successful band. They have even already had to deal with the drama monsters of Dance Gavin Dance on Last.fm and came out looking mature due to a level head by Caleb.

The bands first effort truly shows their maturity as musicians, even at their age, and I suggest you check it out. The album will be released June 5th at a local church, Faith Family Church. So if you're from around the area, go check them out, and pick up their cd. They plan on playing shows around the Indiana/Ohio area over the course of the next few months followed by a tour with Florida post-hardcore act Serra Velle which resembles something along the lines of A Skylit Drive. Be sure to check them out on the road, or at least pick up their CD, they aren't far from reaching the success coming to them.

MYSPACE: JOVIAN
PREORDER: JOVIAN