Sirens of the Sonic Age

The Latest in Progressive Music

Jon Anderson’s Response to Yes Press Release

Here’s Jon’s response.    I welcome other members of Yes to comment.

September 18, 2008

Disappointed, and very Disrespected

Disappointed that, with the exception of one phone call from Alan, none of the guys have been in touch since my illness, just to find out how I am doing, and how we will foresee the future for YES. And disappointed that they were not willing to wait till 2009 when I’m fully recovered.

And I feel very disrespected, having spent most of this year creating songs and constant ideas for the band, spending time with Roger Dean creating a stage design, also working with VH1 and Sirius and XM Radio to help promote the welfare of YES.

Getting sick was not “on my radar”, and I thank my own angel Janeee and my family for helping me through this difficult time, and the many well wishers, friends and fans alike, for understanding that ”things happen”.

Of course I wish the guys all the best in their ’solo’ work, but I just wish this could have been done in a more gentlemanly fashion. After all YES is a precious musical band.

This is not YES on tour…

I send best wishes to one and all,

Jon
Jon Anderson
September 2008

September 27, 2008 Posted by sonicsirens | Blogroll, Progressive Music | , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Progressive Rock Band Influenced by Gandhi Releases Songs Addressing World Issues

 Progressive Rock Band Influenced by Gandhi Releases Songs Addressing World IssuesUsing the power of song and the universal language of music, this unique band helps raise awareness and money for worthy charities fighting world problems.

Sugar Grove, IL (Billboard Publicity Wire) August 12, 2008 — Truth On Earth, a socially conscious, progressive teen rock band for the ages, recently announced the release of new original music to further their fight of world problems. Using the power of song and the universal language of music, this unique band helps raise awareness and money for worthy charities fighting world problems. By combining entertainment with philanthropy, they provide a benefit to both those in need and those who contribute.

 

The band name, lyrical messages and powerful world-changing mission are based upon the work of Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi, one of the greatest spiritual leaders of all time and the basis of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s Civil Rights movement. Gandhi said that Peace could best be achieved through truth and non-violent protest and he proved it for a time by causing the end of a century of British rule over India. One small man had a giant influence. So the band is named in Gandhi’s honor to carry on his work and ideals through the universal language of music to a struggling planet.

 

The band’s main goal is to raise consciousness, through the universal language of music, to a level where, over time, everyone can become part of the solution. The end result and vision is that problems can be fixed and the planet can be left in a condition that is free of destruction and makes it worth inheriting by future generations.

 

Truth on Earth’s music has been described as refreshing, highly creative, electrifying and a throwback to early 70’s rock. This unique sound blends with progressive songwriting about world issues to appeal to those with the same social conscience.

 

These young women have committed their lives to fixing the problems of the planet so future generations will have a, “planet worth inheriting.” Their philanthropic spirit combined with their exceptional musical talents results in a contribution of nearly three quarters of their proceeds to worldly charities.

 

Listeners cannot only enjoy the sound of Truth on Earth but can choose one of many worthwhile causes to donate to, at www.truthonearthband.com.

 

These young women are devoting their lives to doing whatever they can to bring awareness and solutions to many world problems, in the spirit of Gandhi. They want to be pro-active, on the front lines, connecting people through the universal language of music. “We have all seen devastating pictures of abuse, starvation, homeless, effects of war….., but never have been unified with music in a way, until now, that reaches the listener’s core level, creating feelings that pictures alone can’t and that allows for the proper contribution,” states the band members.

 

About Truth on Earth:

Truth On Earth is a progressive rock band featuring three teenage sisters that blends the sounds of old and new, heavily influenced by ’60’s & ’70’s rock. They write, produce and sing original songs about major issues in the world that require the attention of all. Their mission is, “to unite people across the globe, with music, to take action to create a better world so future generations will have a planet worth inheriting.”

 

They are available for performance, interviews and charitable appearances and can be contacted through their website, www.truthonearthband.com or email, truth@truthonearthband.com. Their music is currently available for immediate download from their website. Contributions to select, related charities can be made there as well.

August 16, 2008 Posted by sonicsirens | Progressive Music | , , | 1 Comment

Montreal Band Karmadoza pays tribute to The B-52s

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Paying great homage to the “world’s greatest party” band but forgoing the bouffant hairdos, progressive band Karmadoza’s latest album – “K-52s – A Tribute to The B-52s” – is chock full of splendid songs from the new wave rock pioneers The B-52s.  Karmadoza features a collection of Montreal’s hip accomplished musicians:  Guitarist Stéphane Vigeant (Floating Widget, Madking Ludwig, Groovy Aardvark), Vocalist Vicky Martel (Vénus 3, Killing Venus), Guitarist François Legendre (Paranoland, Groovy Aardvark, Lumberjack), Drummer Raphaël Corbeil (Madking Ludwig), and Bassist/Vocalist Vincent Peake (Kosmos, Floating Widget, Groovy Aardvark, Grim Skunk).

     Karmadoza’s eleven song album – currently available for download through www.emusic.com – features The B-52s classics of their signature anthem 52 Girls, Lava, and 6060-842 from their kitschy self-titled debut album.  Karmadoza’s 52 Girls version rivals that of the Offspring’s cover.  The rhythm section really savages the beat.  Vicky’s melodious vocals equally match both Cindy Wilson and Kate Pierson.  Vincent `a la Fred Schneider harmoniously duets with Vicky, keeping the music as amusing as it should be.  The more psychedelic Private Idaho, Dirty Back Road, Strobe Light, and Give Me Back My Man – a campy song about a woman losing her “man” to a man-eating shark – from the “Wild Planet album”.  Karmadoza exhibit these absurd renditions in fabulous style.  My favorite cover is Channel Z, a quirky tune about a fictional radio station. 

     This album is the pursuit of fun loving pop culture at its best.  Rather than being nostalgic, the usually rock/metal influenced Karmadoza modernizes The B-52s sound without imitating it.  Their purpose is pure; the quality is inventive.  It’s a fresh, liberating musicianship as opposed to cheesy pop-tart art.  If The B-52s welded punk rock into new wave, then Karmadoza transformed new wave back into punk rock. 

     To find out more, please visit Karmadoza’s Myspace page at www.myspace.com/karmadoza.

 

Click here for a free download of “52 Girls”  http://www.karmadoza.com/K52/52_Girls.mp3
Enjoy!

October 27, 2007 Posted by sonicsirens | Blogroll, Heavy Metal, Music, Music News, Progressive Metal, Progressive Music | , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

The Kosmic Konnection – Kosmos Premiere Album Reviewed

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KOSMOS

Kosmos – a new project by Voivod drummer Michel “Away” Langevin – is dedicated to progressive music at its psychedelic best. Both friends and musicians, these guys must have launched together in the spaceship that traveled them back to atomic punk. All of them – experienced in their art – give them license to explore the genre further. Joining Away on his space odyssey is the flamboyant hip swiveling JetPhil giving us his smoky groove guitar playing, the omnipresent Vincent Peake providing his rocket-fueled bass, and Alex Crow, guitar extraordinaire and electrically-talented keyboardist.

Dedicated to Denis “Piggy” D’amour, Voivod’s singular guitarist, who succumbed to colon cancer in August 2005, the album’s 12 songs are each chock full of bizarre distortions set to the maximum level taking you on a time traveling journey. The first song, which happens to be my favorite, Psycho has flavors of 70s prog rock bands such as Yes and Rush. JetPhil captures Jeff Beck’s guitar sounds at his best and Alex Crow channels Rick Wakeman in this whirlwind ride. Dreams remind me of a lullaby high on laser beams while Grand Grizou flies the spaceship to the next galaxy. The space-induced whispers of Yawa leads into the cosmic shaman sounding Indu Kush complete with Indian chants and featuring Away’s notoriously thunderous drumming.

This mostly instrumental album also has a couple of tunes with vocals. The Mark Bolan-style bluesy Much Too Old featuring Xavier Caféϊne on vocals and the poetic spaced-out Amerique Innavouable showcasing Vince Peake’s incredible bass grooves. Krautrock is a generous tribute to all the Kraut rock bands like Hawkwind, Zombi, and Monster Magnet. Finishing the tour is rocket-fueled Septial and Mess Noire – a 70’s grooved song that’ll have you up and dancing wondering what happened to Be-ins.

The best thing about Kosmos is the dream journey they unwittingly take you on – letting you forget the troubles of today and finding a future in your tomorrows. Close your eyes and keep believing.

Please visit their website at www.myspace.com/kosmostheband.

October 15, 2007 Posted by sonicsirens | Heavy Metal, Music, Music News, Progressive Metal, Progressive Music | , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments Yet

Featured Band – The Asylum

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THE ASYLUM – Hot Arizona Metal 

Looking for a great sound with an innovative crunch and ferocious complexity?  You’ll have that with The Asylum – an up and coming Phoenix-based heavy metal band.  Self-described as emotional, powerful, heavy and aggressive, The Asylum certainly live up to their expectations.  Reminiscent of old Metallica and Megadeth, they effectively break the sound barrier of mainstream metal.

Formed in the summer of 2005, the lineup consists of Jason Kendall’s spine chilling vocals, Vince LuPone’s faster than the speed of light guitar playing, Gerard Burick’ assailing thunderous bass and Dan Edwards’ head banging drums.

Recorded in Vince’s home studio, their debut album Closer to the Evil contains 11 songs of intense magnitude.  You can listen to a sampler at www.myspace.com/theasylummetalband.com.  The album starts with the riveting “This War Ends” which showcases each member’s talents.  Jason’s vocals sound like a pumped up Rob Zombie.  Mellower “Torn Apart” is The Asylum’s powerhouse ballad – metal style.  The album finishes with “Boundaries” a nine minute thought-provoking piece.  Lyrics are challenging with opalescent rendering.

The Asylum is currently touring Arizona, California, Nevada, and New Mexico with a few dates at the legendary Whiskey a Go-Go in Los Angeles.  Make an effort to join Jason Kendall in lacing up your straight jackets and go see them live.  Tickets are available for the Whiskey shows at their MySpace page.  

The Asylum – “This War Ends” live at the Whisky a Go Go

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Current tour dates are as follows:

The Asylum

Upcoming Shows ( view all )

Aug 10 2007 9:00P
Andersons Fifth Estate Scottsdale, Arizona
Aug 15 2007 10:30P
Whisky a Go Go Los Angeles, California
Aug 24 2007 10:30P
Alice Cooperstown Phoenix, Arizona
Sep 28 2007 11:15P
Whisky a Go Go Los Angeles, California
Oct 27 2007 11:00P
Club Red Tempe, Arizona

 Please visit their websites at www.TheAsylumFans.net or www.myspace.com/theasylummetalband.com.

The Asylum

July 23, 2007 Posted by sonicsirens | Blogroll, Heavy Metal, Music, Progressive Metal, Progressive Music | | No Comments Yet