See This World – “Times Of The Signs”
Now, I could regale with some hilarious nonsense right now, but in fact, I think I’ll spare you the punishment.
Instead I’ll tell you this is Dave Tree’s band, from the well known Boston hardcore band Tree.
And though I could regale you with the history and importance of that band- I’d rather tell you that Dave’s has a new art gallery/music performance place.
And though it’s slightly past the outskirts of Boston- thirty minutes from the Midway Cafe- it’s a great place.
It’s called The Launch Pad, it’s in Norwood, MA and it will be host to great art and great music- check out the review of the first music show on-line now, right here- at Thrash N Bang.
If you’re reading these words, I have to assume that you’re a very intelligent, very aware, creative person- something that I aspire to be one day, though, I fear, that day may have passed. But what I need to tell you is- you physically need to be is at this new place, in the near future, putting your love and spirit into it, supporting it. This could be- our place.
And I could regale you why you need to do this.
But this is a review of See This World’s new EP and they are a great band with lots of metal and hardcore influences but also, a good bit of reggae and even some rap, to boot.
Let’s see how this EP rips:
“Teller” starts with a grinding, revolving guitar riff and a solid, heavy beat. When the vocals come in, it’s like a rapid fire of intense heat, worthy of Rage Against The Machine. This song juggles a delicate balance of desperation and humor, where you’re not sure if what you’re witnessing is a bank robbery or a nervous breakdown or both. It slams hard and strong and is done even before you step up to make your bank transaction.
With a scraping, sliding, scratching guitar, “Litter” spirals into some venomous vocals suggesting a much harsher fine for littering than fifty dollars. “If I catch you polluting, I might start shooting. Why would you trash this beautiful place? I’d rather put a bullet right in your face.” The beat bounces and collides off the speakers and changes in tempo, often, from headbanging power to hardcore eruption. Great rhythm, great guitar and great vocals can only add up to one thing- a great song.
“Dead People starts with a metal groove that is heavy with a guitar lick that snarls like a rabid rattlesnake meeting up with a vocal that recalls Iggy Pop in a slightly higher register. “I see dead people, driving in cars, drinking in bars, looking at stars, they don’t know who they are.” Eventually, the vocals ascend into a near hysterical pitch while the music evolves into a slower, psychedelic, blue-sy mix. But soon we’re once again groovin’ with the dead people, “Who don’t know who they are,” but more likely, live life with out any passion or feeling. My favorite tune on this EP.
“Can you tell me, exactly, what planet you come from?” So starts “Planets.” And why do I get the feeling that this is something that Dave Tree’s been asked before? With a slow, looping beat and grunge-y chords- the rhythm escalates, occasionally, into a hardcore thrust with emphatic vocals. But after awhile we land into an industrial, experimental type of gloom/doom groove. “Where you’re from, is what you’re from, it’s what you’re made of.” There’s no escaping that where you’re from effects you. Dave is from Westwood, nearby here. Andy and I are from Hyde Park, only separated by Dedham. But as the guitar wails and screams as the solid drums pound on perfectly, this record crescendo’s to an illuminating, jazz like end.
See This World is the name of this band and when we see the band’s name we might want to turn away.
Not because of the great music of this band, but because this world, our world is not always pleasant to see.
Instead of accepting it and working towards changing it we might want to forget it’s even there.
Artists are always keen on observing, relaying and commenting on life. Not only what they feel, but also what they see. Artists can sometimes peer into the future and tell us what’s to expect, what’s up ahead.
And it’s not always pleasant but I’ve found, that acknowledging the facts is one step away from improving on the outcomes from that point on.
The road may seem bleak at times and will take some times to travel- but at least, you’re assured you are on the right course.
I feel I’ve described everyone’s life, at some point, who’s reading this.
I feel I’ve described the path that true music and art has always taken.
I feel this is what Dave Tree is embracing and how vital and great his new place will be. How truth, art and music will survive and inspire.
See This World is a great band. Oh, and all the artists on display at his gallery are great, too. Especially, Dave himself and Alvan Long and Jess Punk.
And if the future of this place is like the young people I encounter, in the scene-
It’s gonna be grand.
(Slimedog)
