And We're In For Life

I have no quirky stories for today, so I'll just jump in and tell you what you really want to know about. This is one of those bands that was such an unexpected discovery, I had to listen to their set-list again and make sure it wasn't my iTunes that was playing.

But it wasn't, and so without further ado, I introduce today InForLife, a killer progressive/alternative/hard-rock band for the rocker that wants a group that will push the envelope and explore boundaries in rock.

Out of Calgary, Canada, InForLife, with Mitch Aitken (vocals and guitar), Jeremy Aitken (guitars, bass and vocals), and Geoff Aitken (drums and vocals), pushes the boundaries on the hard-rock sound, incorporating elements of alternative and progressive rock into their performance.

The set-list starts with "Diseased," off their album Switching Gears, and right from the start the sound is something new and different. While the intro riff is something I'd expect from a Metallica record, Mitch Aitken's vocals remind me more of a Smashing Pumpkins sound. But that too is soon abandoned, in favor of a more alternative/post-grunge sound, and all I can say is that this is track that is so diverse, even from itself, that I've never heard anything else like it. In fact, I think this would be a perfect time to coin a new term. So here and now, I declare InForLife as the first crunch-rock band. Absolutely brilliant. I've said it before, and I'll say it again: what makes a band phenomenal is how unique and different they can be, while not being too over-the-top out there. And with Jeremy's bass setting a tone, and Geoff's drums keeping a beat, Mitch takes off on a killer guitar solo that sounds like something Candlebox or Alice in Chains would cook up. This song = two thumbs up. No argument. 

And as "Diseased" plays out, "Ugly" plays in, and track two begins. Starting on a skull-crushing guitar riff from Mitch, Geoff shoots the song up with his own brand of adrenaline as his drums come crashing down, and Jeremy's bass provides a perfect stage for the other two guys. Mitch's vocals on this song in particular are top-notch, and blend perfectly with Jeremy's hardcore bass lines and Geoff's angry, animal-like drumming. To top it all off, Mitch's guitar solo just rips through my eardrums, and all I can think is that this song leaves nothing to be desired. It's got the melodies, the ferocity, the grit, and the soul to just shake you from start to finish.

Track three's "Jump in Line" kicks off with a great drum intro, and Jeremy's bass can be clearly heard in a Krist Novaselic-style right before Mitch takes off on a unique guitar progression that provides a perfect backing for the vocals. It's ferocious, and gritty, and everything about this song keeps your pulse up. Short, sweet, and to the point, "Jump in Line" is the perfect way to end the set-list. These guys have three shots to impress, and they knock it out of the park every time. Incredible. 

Sounds Like: The Exies, Candlebox, Metallica    

Key Tracks from Switching Gears: "Diseased," "Ugly," "Jump in Line"

Check out InForLife more at: http://www.myspace.com/infourlife and http://www.unsigned.com/inforlife

Radioactive Fusion

It's with great pleasure that I introduce this radioactive alternative-metal band. Fusion hale from Paris, France, whereupon plugging into their speakers, they douse the audience with a chemically intensive dose of alternative rock. Well, I haven't seen them, but I would like to, and I'm definitely sure that that's what happens.

Made up of Clement (vocals, guitar and piano), Rafael (guitar), Marc (bass), and Alex (drums), Fusion produces a fantastic progressive sound that would make Pink Floyd happy while still providing a testament to their alternative and metal heroes, Green Day, Metallica, AC/DC and Queen. 

The first track I listen to off their EP Replacing the Sun is the title track. Interestingly enough this track sounds more indie-rock than progressive, but still offers a Pink Floyd-ish guitar riff along with a rhythmic bass line and snare/high-hats drum beat. Clement's vocals of this one just soar above the guitars and drums. The beginning guitar riffing is a little choppy, but it seems for the benefit of the song, adding to the radioactive nature of the song. The guitar solo that shoots from the speakers at about 2:47 has a Scorpions style to it, though of a more darker nature. Love it though. It's like Pink Floyd meets Scorpions, with the dark vocal melodies of HIM and Metallica. 

Then I move on to "Universal Love," which starts with a mystic guitar riff, like something I'd here off a Sgt. Pepper's-inspired album. The bass in this song is particularly powerful, just encasing you during the verse, as it seems the only instrument being used (aside from the snare beats, and the sparse, Pixie-like guitar notes behind it). This song perfectly exemplifies the quiet-loud dynamic pioneered by Pixies and made popular by Nirvana. It's so sparse and quiet during the verse, I feel like I could almost tear the song apart, if that makes any sense. But once that chorus comes it, all hell seems to break lose. 

Though the two tracks I listen to before it are also good ("The Bastard" and "Life Me Higher" (with great piano towards the end of the latter)), the last song I listen to from the EP, "Muse," just strikes a deeper tone. It's slow, surreal nature just scream Pink Floyd, but what's interesting is the abrupt change in tempo about two minutes in which seems reminiscent of a Rush song. It is a haunting number, yet almost romantic in a way, which just adds to the pleasure I take from listening to it. Also, the dual lead vocals, and the Metallica-like guitar solo (layered above the Keith Moon-like drums and Cliff Burton bass style) just make "Muse" one of the must-hear tracks from the EP. How appropriate that this is the last track on the EP. People say finish strong, and with this song, there is no way that Fusion finished anyway but.

Sounds Like: Pink Floyd, HIM, Metallica, Scorpions

Key Tracks from Replacing the Sun: "Replacing the Sun," "Universal Love," "Muse," "Lift Me Higher"

Check out Fusion more at: http://www.unsigned.com/fusiontherockband and http://www.myspace.com/fusiontherockband