New Blood: f(x) is Back!

When they first appeared on the music scene known as Korean pop it would have been easy to dismiss them as just another girl group.

After all "k-pop", as it is more commonly known, is a heavily saturated market filled with boy and girl groups singing their hearts out and dancing to slick electronic beats in front of their fans. Some are better than others and there seems to be a new group practically every month.

Then came f(x) with their debut video LA chA TA.


f(x) is ready to take the Korean pop scene with a vengeance! 

Sure they had the looks, but they clearly had the dance moves as well as the vocals to back up their wonderfully executed video and music. These were not overly auto-tuned notes that so many more established groups were using.

The one thing that really caught people's attention was... the boy dancing in the background? Wait a minute here!



This is no ordinary girl group

Second glance shows never to judge a book by its cover. That's no boy dancing there in the background. It was none other then the tomboy known as Amber. This girl wasn't just a singer... she was a rapper and a darn good one at that as this video of her freestyling shows.

Now these girls really had something really special. It's not every day you see a girl group with a rapper in it after all. Much less one as good as her.

Alone they would have been successful, but look at any f(x) music video and you'll see dozens if not hundreds of comments about Amber.

Clearly more handsome then beautiful and certainly more boyish then the other girls, Amber makes up a significant part of why this group is so successful. Not only does she stand out, but she also fits in with the other girls and they all work together to form a group that certainly deserves all the attention they have received since their debut in September 2009.

Their second single was the song Chu and helped show off their unique style and cohesion as a group. They were certainly on the right track and they also did a cover of SNSD's song Chocolate Love which doubled as a promo for a cell phone.

Finally there came the song NU ABO. The title implied "new blood" since ABO refers to the various blood types. Combined with the lyrics the song was meant to signify that f(x) was here to put some new blood into the k-pop industry and this single was by far the most stylish and captivating beat yet.

When you first watch it and hear the song its very different from other k-pop songs and you can't help but watch it through to the end. All of the girls shine through in this video and with nearly 4 million views on YouTube it's certainly doing pretty well.

It is the first video listed when you search for their name on YouTube and this video really helps to highlight the girls singing, dancing, Amber's rapping and the fact that they really are infusing the saturated k-pop industry with a fresh sound and different look.

But things took a sour turn when Amber hurt her ankle during a performance and went back home to the USA so she could recover and regain strength. These things happen and no one would have thought much of it... except that it took so long for news of her recover and return to the group to come that fans started to worry.


Is f(x) even complete as a group without Amber?

Worry soon turned to irritation and then to outright outrage. Amber's fans demanded to know where she was and what had happened to her. It shouldn't take months for a sprained ankle to heal should it?

The fact that their label SM Entertainment put out videos showing the other four girls, minus Amber, did nothing to reassure them. Weeks turned into months and then nearly a year as news trickled out at a maddeningly slow pace. Even after it was announced and confirmed that Amber would be returning there were few pictures or videos of her aside from a promo shoot for K-Swiss.

http://www.allkpop.com/ even put out an "Amber Alert" article about the situation that highlighted everything f(x) fans were currently agonizing over.

SM Entertainment finally squashed the rumors once and for all when all five members were featured in the latest edition of Maire Claire magazine. Classier then ever and a bit more mature they looked ready to take on the music world once again and a new album is set to debut sometime this spring or summer.



It's a new year with new looks, but f(x) is the same group as before.

Finally fans were assured that their favorite rapping tomboy was still in the group and that all the girls were sticking together. It's hard to make a splash in the k-pop industry considering how many pop groups their are. Yet the claim f(x) made of infusing some "new blood" into the music industry wasn't just proud boasting after all.

These girls have got talent and it only took one of them to cause an outrage of massive proportions among fans.

All of f(x)'s fans eagerly await their new music and keep our their group title in mind as well. That (x) is a variable. It represents the different talents of each girl and the way their sound may vary in the future, but no matter what happens their fans will stick by them with a tenacity unseen with any other group.

The first mini album by f(x) is currently available on itunes.

Concert Experience: Apocalyptica Live at the House of Blues Orlando

Sore feet, ringing ears, and 4 1/2 hours later. It was March 5, 2011 when I left the House of Blues at Downtown Disney in Orlando, Florida feeling as if I had just experienced the best night of my life. Looking back now it's entirely possible I did.


Apocalyptica is here to rock and roll!

I'm talking of course about the concert I went to. Last year when they put their concert dates up it didn't take long for me to grab myself some tickets to their show locally. It was scheduled for November and would be my first concert ever.

Unfortunately it and many other tour dates here in the United States had to be rescheduled due to Perttu falling ill.


Perttu is back!

Thankfully I opted not to go for the refund, since there was no telling when they would be able to get back and tour again in the United States and it was a decision I'll never regret.

We got there to the venue with plenty of time to spare and I made sure to buy a hat and t-shirt at the gift shop in order to qualify for the Pass the Line option offered at some House of Blues concerts.

It still meant more standing around as the doors opened at 8pm instead of 7:30pm as stated on the tickets and website. It wasn't bad though. All one had to think about was the awesome show that was to come.

Rather then stand on the floor and risk not seeing a thing due to some tall patron who would assuredly stand in front of me, I opted for a place at the top of the stairs. Doing so ensured me one of the best views in the house and put me a foot or two about everybody else. Of course unless your a shorter person there is really no "bad" spot to stand at the House of Blues Orlando. Wherever you go or stand it's practically impossible to miss the stage and the railing is a great place to lean up against if you aren't fast enough to grab one of the few (very few) seats dotting the area.



A perfect sheen to accompany a perfect sound

Opening up for Apocalyptica was a band by the name of Stained Angel who had great music and great energy to get the crowd going. I even heard a couple people singing along. The real show, however, was reserved for the four guys we had been waiting months to see.

Apocalyptica.

They opened with a bang and the roar of the crowd nearly drowned out music coming from the massive speakers and amps. Eicca greeted the crowd and asked who had bought their latest album 7th Symphony. A good number of people screamed loudly to show that they had indeed purchased it.

Eicca then proceeded to chastise everyone who hadn't which made everyone laugh. By the way I'm pleased to say I bought mine the day it came out.
Turns out Paavo was the one sick this time around with a cold, but that certainly didn't stop him from rocking harder than anyone else. Aside from Eicca and his epic cello headbanging that is.

They played pretty much all of their songs from the current 7th Symphony album with a few surprises thrown in such as a Master of Puppets a Metallica cover, I'm Not Jesus, and Hall of the Mountain King as their closing song. Tipe Johnson did all the singing and can honestly say that his voice was even better than I had initially expected. His voice was the perfect accompaniment to the amazing cello playing and hard drum beats.

Mikko can drum but he can also... strum the cello?

My favorite moment of the entire night came when Mikko disappeared off stage and then came back holding a cello of his own. Rather than sitting off to the side he joined in and played the song Beautiful with the rest of the band and the crowd stayed quiet until they finished, after which they roared with pleasure and me right along with them.

The cello playing was perfect. The singing by Tipe Johnson was wonderful. We had the privilege of seeing Mikko play the drums and the cello. Eicca started headbanging like it was his last day on earth.

You could even get drinks from the bar and food from the counter if you started getting hungry during the performance. Thankfully despite the copious amounts of beer floating by me in plastic cups and as people walked from the floor to the bar, I never had my toes stepped on or my shirt ruined by a cup tipped to far my way.

Really what more do you need from a concert?

Hall of the Mountain King was the closing song and after a long roar of approval from the crowd Mikko threw his drumsticks to the crowd and all the guys bowed before exiting stage left.

Unfortunately I couldn't stick around to wait for the guys to come back out and maybe take a few pictures with their fans, but that can always happen the next time their in town right?

So if Apocalyptica comes to your city, town, village, or hovel then you must see them live. Failing to do so is practically a criminal offense.

Artist Spotlight: Sandra Alvarenga

Black Veil Brides and Modern Day Escape. Two bands and two sets of fans brought together by the presence of one incomparable drummer.

Sandra Alvarenga.



Sandra is showing the world what real rock and roll is all about

Most people know her as the former drummer for the band Black Veil Brides, but now she has joined forces with Modern Day Escape and is continuing her domination over the rock world.

It's not exactly common to see a female drummer, but that fact hasn't stopped Sandra from playing harder than any guy could ever dream of doing as you can see in this video here.

People can laugh and joke all they want, but don't let her gender or smaller size fool you any. Once Sandra steps up on stage and sits down behind the drums... you had better watch your step. This girl's got mad skills and she's only getting better from here.


Sandra with her boys and brothers as part of the Black Veil Brides


While fans of BVB (Black Veil Brides) are surely sad to see her leave the band, this is hardly the end of her story. In fact this lady's tale is just starting to heat up. With a new album in the works and a cover song of Perfection by MDE (Modern Day Escape) to tantalize fans in the meantime, there is plenty going on to keep her occupied.



Modern Day Escape is preparing for a new album

Another part of Sandra's fame, aside from her beast-like drumming skills, are fans that are positively wild about her. So much so that some are starting to say they've come down with "Sandra Fever".

Whether they're watching her at a concert, sending her photos of themselves in her t-shirts, or asking her for a picture or autograph, one thing is for sure... Sandra Alvarenga sure has herself some loyal fans and they aren't going anywhere. They've made drawings, fan videos, and more in an attempt to reach their favorite musician. Sandra herself has posted "I have the most amazing fans in the world" as her Twitter bio.

Have you seen this girl anywhere?

Truly she has earned her reputation not only as a beast on the drums as her journey with the Black Veil Brides proved, but more recently as the Goddess of Rock. Listen to a song like Heaven's Calling or Perfect Weapon and you'll hear her raging beats pounding along in the background. If Sandra can roar like this during a warm up then you can imagine what she is like live.

While I've never had the pleasure of doing so there are many who have been to see her live at a concert and here's hoping that I will one day be able to do the same.

Two worlds brought together by one person and her legion of loyal fans. We're behind you all the way Sandra Alvarenga and we can't wait to hear the new Modern Day Escape Album and see what else you have in store for us.

If you would like a little piece of history in the making all to yourself, then you can order your Sandra's Back! t-shirt from District Lines right here.



Album Review: Acoustic LIVE! by Adam Lambert

Our favorite glam rocker Adam Lambert has recently released a new EP and fans such as myself are enjoying every second of it. Best described as a vocal masterpiece, this is a mind-blowing live record that is disappointing only by way of the fact that there aren't even more songs for us to enjoy.



Acoustic Live! Quite possible the best live album of the year

Starting off you have Whataya Want From Me? recorded live at ENERGY Berlin radio station 103.4. It is impossible not to be moved by the emotion and feeling that Adam pours into this song. Stripped down from the studio release, this version has only an acoustic guitar to back up Adam Lambert's voice

People of all ages and demographics have fallen in love with this song and the powerful message that it conveys. Adam has even been nominated for a Grammy under the Best Male Pop Vocal Performance category because of this single.

As the song most people are familiar with this was the perfect choice to open the album and you'll be hitting the replay button time and time again.


Whataya Want From Me?



Next on the list is Music Again which was recorded live at Hit Radio FFH. Honestly, I was very curious to see how this would work out as an acoustic song. Using only an acoustic guitar and drums its a rather big change from the electronically infused studio album. It carries the same tempo, but doesn't have the additional vocals of the studio release. This is a beautiful combination and Adam works around it perfectly with alternating soft and strong vocals.

The silence of the radio station setting offers a pure untainted sound and every note comes across crystal clear to the listener. You will definitely be listening to this music again and again and again.



Music has never looked so good



Aftermath is the third song on this album and starts off with the cheering of the crowd on the Glam Nation tour. Yet when the guitar starts playing they respectfully go silent allowing Adam to start singing. This song is so beautiful that words can even begin to describe it. Even non fans will find themselves enjoying this song and gaining a greater respect for the smooth voice and emotion that Adam Lambert can convey with only a few words. His soaring note at 2:57, and at the very end, send the crowd roaring with approval and how can you blame them? 

Speaking of emotion this is the perfect song for anyone who has or is having a bad day. Every verse will help you to appreciate that things really will be all right when things are said and done. Adam Lambert himself was one of the co-writers for this song and every word will strike a powerful cord in you.

After a hard day's work or a rough time in life you'll find yourself reaching for this song and it does a great job of picking you up and lifting your spirits.

Adam and his band members

Soaked follows as the second to last song on the album and the only instrument used is a piano. This is by far my favorite song as Adam's voice shines through like nothing else you have ever heard. Soft at times but with an underlying power that is sure to captivate your attention just as it surely did those attending the concert.

A masterpiece of the highest order is the only way to describe Soaked. Here on this song you will be able to see why it is that so many people around the world have fallen in love with him.

The chorus soars and in the last minute or so of the song there is a pause followed by a couple seconds of singing without the accompaniment of any instruments. An acapella version of Soaked would have been amazing to hear. Maybe next time around Adam will treat us to such a rendition of one of his songs.

What do you think? Tell me if you would like to hear that just as much as I would! 




Glambert's just can't get enough of Adam

  

Last on the album is Mad World. Adam Lambert's sensitive, stripped down performance of this song during his run on American Idol was so good that even sour Simon Cowell himself was moved to give him a standing ovation.

Many consider it to be his best performance of the season and legions of fans were not only disappointed, but angry to see a cover of it excluded on his first album For Your Entertainment. Now they have what they so badly wanted and not only the song, but a live acoustic version of it as well.

As a dedicated fan who was glued to the TV throughout that American Idol season I was greatly surprised when the song started off, not as the slow rendition that Adam had done before, but instead as an uptempo version that will have you tapping your feet, bobbing your head, and singing along to every word.



Glitter, glam, music, and Adam Lambert will make anyone's day



This Acoustic Live! album starts off with a song everyone loves and ends with a bang on an old favorite that fans have been screaming for since he first sang it on the American Idol stage.

Physical copies are being snapped up left and right and the CD + poster combo is flying off the official website. Better get yours fast before it's gone because once they run out there won't be any more made!

With the voice of an angel and the class to back it up, Adam Lambert is an intelligent man who knows just what he wants how how he's going to get there. He was born for success and has more than enough talent to back up his ambitions.

Acoustic Live! is easily the best live album of the year and does not disappoint in any possible way. You have not heard a true singer until you've heard the songs on this album.

It is out now on the official website, iTunes, Amazon, and plenty of other sites. So go out and buy it now!