| Monster in the Machine at World Cafe Live written by Lynn |
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| The really great thing about doing music reviews and band photography is that it's really opened my eyes to all kinds of music that I never knew existed. I like to pride myself on the fact that I have a very versatile taste, since I'm able to enjoy anything from the occasional thrash metal band (although I have to admit, a lot of times I just can't deal with the screaming) to pop punk, to goth metal to 40's jazz like Ella Fitzgerald and even classical Vivaldi. There is so much music in the world that's worth listening to, let alone what's not worth listening to, it's no wonder that so many really great artists can get missed if we're not careful. I recently had the opportunity to be introduced to one such artist, that being a band called Monster in the Machine. Monster in the Machine is the current project of Shannon Crawford, formerly of the band Cellophane, a band that had its moment, but unfortunately became one of those previously-mentioned efforts that got swept under the rug. As Shannon put it, it was " a good record that fell through the cracks." However, I can tell with Monster in the Machine's recent release, Butterfly Pinned, that Shannon has no intention of repeating that history, and with the way his band sounds, he surely wants to get his songs out there for everyone to hear and enjoy, as he's really proud of what he and a few friends - Doug Ardito of Puddle of Mudd, Korn's James "Munky" Shaeffer, and the infamous Josh Freese, among a few others - have put together. Released on Shaeffer's Emotional Syphon indie label, this is definitely a band you'll want to see if you're a true music lover, and you're interested in more than simply pounding beats and screaming vocals. This is a group of musicians who can play, and sing, and do so for the beauty that is music, and not to get any aggressions out. And though Crawford's songs are actually quite filled with feeling, he has found a truly gifted way to portray them. performers, since I "always" seem to have this complaint!) is that it was too short. I could have sat and listened to Shannon play through his entire CD, and then some. I'm hoping the next chance I get to see them, they're permitted more time to play. Having just finished up the first part of this first tour, Monster in the Machine will be heading out on the road again, this time supporting Team Sleep, beginning on November 30th at The Boardwalk, in Orangeville, CA. That leg of the tour lasts through December 16th, and has the band seeing areas in the west and pacific northwest. But this is only the beginning for Monster in the Machine, as Shannon told me during an interview we did after the band's performance, so my suggestion is to check out their MySpace or the Monster in the Machine website, and keep checking for when they'll be in your area. The CD can be bought on both of the above sites, and after listening to the sample tracks, I know you're going to want to give it a try. I actually have a lot more to say about the band and the music, but for now it can wait. Next update however, I'll have not only my interview with Shannon Crawford, but my review of Butterfly Pinned as well. For now, though, go listen, and if you're able to, check out Monster in the Machine for something different, and something you'll be glad you tried once you hear them. Thanks to Amanda at ABC Publicity for making this review possible. |
BAND: Monster
in the Machine
DATE: October
19, 2007
VENUE: World
Cafe Live
in the Machine
DATE: October
19, 2007
VENUE: World
Cafe Live
| X4 |
Though Freese and Ardito are not with him, Crawford is currently on
tour with another group of hand-picked musicians that he felt could
give his music all the seriousness and expression that he put into
writing it, consisting of bassist Lats, guitarist John Chase and
drummer Jay Kuri. The four have hit the road supporting the very
talented Israeli rock band, Rockfour, who also put on a great
performance after Crawford and company. Together, these two
bands present a really cool evening of music, let me tell you, as I
found out on a rainy Friday night at Philadelphia's posh World Cafe
Live, a popular college hangout and club that tends to get in some of
the more sophisticated and intimate performances that come through
town. Though it's a really small place, Shannon and his band definitely
filled it with their amazing sounds, and charmed the room with songs
portraying true talent, inspiration, and Shannon's appealing vocals.
Though the band's set at the World Cafe Live was a bit toned down,
considering the small room they were playing to, the emotion and
creativity of the music still came through. Shannon led his band
through a few of the songs from Butterfly Pinned including the
haunting, ethereal Under Your Shadow, the CD's first single, Savior,
and the dreamy, floaty Shut the Door. I am curious to hear what they
will sound like in a bigger venue, with more power behind their
instruments, though the intimacy of the setting at the World Cafe Live
was really inviting as well. With very little in the way of effects and
accompaniment other than bass, drums and guitar, Monster in the
Machine seemed to please everyone present that night, and received a
nice applause afterward. My only complaint with the set (but I'm
beginning to think this is a problem with me, and not so much with
tour with another group of hand-picked musicians that he felt could
give his music all the seriousness and expression that he put into
writing it, consisting of bassist Lats, guitarist John Chase and
drummer Jay Kuri. The four have hit the road supporting the very
talented Israeli rock band, Rockfour, who also put on a great
performance after Crawford and company. Together, these two
bands present a really cool evening of music, let me tell you, as I
found out on a rainy Friday night at Philadelphia's posh World Cafe
Live, a popular college hangout and club that tends to get in some of
the more sophisticated and intimate performances that come through
town. Though it's a really small place, Shannon and his band definitely
filled it with their amazing sounds, and charmed the room with songs
portraying true talent, inspiration, and Shannon's appealing vocals.
Though the band's set at the World Cafe Live was a bit toned down,
considering the small room they were playing to, the emotion and
creativity of the music still came through. Shannon led his band
through a few of the songs from Butterfly Pinned including the
haunting, ethereal Under Your Shadow, the CD's first single, Savior,
and the dreamy, floaty Shut the Door. I am curious to hear what they
will sound like in a bigger venue, with more power behind their
instruments, though the intimacy of the setting at the World Cafe Live
was really inviting as well. With very little in the way of effects and
accompaniment other than bass, drums and guitar, Monster in the
Machine seemed to please everyone present that night, and received a
nice applause afterward. My only complaint with the set (but I'm
beginning to think this is a problem with me, and not so much with
