Celled Behemoth

Three words. Cage the Elephant. The first sentence is only two words. Don't get confused. Ya with me? I'm not really sure what it is about this band that I enjoy. As said in my Mission Statement [or About Me] I prefer the heavier side of music. This typically applies to downtuned/distorted guitars. Metal or Hard Rock, to be more precise. This band has not heavily distorted guitars. No Metal appearance. Dare I say, they're an Indie band? I think I will. I believe that's what they're "labeled" as. Only they can truly say what they are. Record execs aren't going to listen to them, though. Why would they?

TOPIC! The first song I heard was Ain't No Rest For the Wicked. It was unlike anything I'd heard before. Which really isn't saying that much! I like to say I've a broad range, but it's actually quite narrow. I know what I like. This song..........I just can't put it into words. It's almost an experience. My first experience was with a trailer for the game Borderlands. It may have helped to tie it to something. Complete the "experience", if you know what I mean. Twangy guitars, good vibe, interesting vocals and a unique look. I saw the music video shortly after. I had to see what these guys looked like. I'm now reminded of Smash Mouth's Walkin' On the Sun. There's driving, a band, and the desert. There's also a prostitute, a thief, and some dazedly standing around. Wicked is a decidedly darker tale. Walkin' is just a feel good song. Straight and simple.

*EDIT! I just watched the video for Walkin'. It's nothing like Wicked. I don't know why I was reminded of it in the first place. Weird.

After that first song I needed to hear more! Almost to the point of salivation. Not really. I was just hungry as well. So, I looked 'em up on the YouTubes and Amazon. I went to Amazon first to hear their completely awesome [*sarcasm] 30 second snippets. I wasn't impressed. I went to YouTube and watched the one other video they had for their song Back Against the Wall. I still wasn't very impressed. I liked the chorus, but that was about it. At that point I had given up on them. Finito!

Something soon changed. The hype on this band was steamrolling! They were [and still are] playing on the radio frequently. Now, usually the radio doesn't mean shit to me. I couldn't care less what's hot for today. They were playing a different song than what I had heard. It's called In One Ear. This one I could dig. It definitely wasn't as unique a track as Wicked, but it is COMPLETELY different from what else is out there on the airwaves. This renewed my interest in them. Some faith was restored as well. For those keeping track.....on my faith.

Like Kingdom of Sorrow, I was at it again. Back to Amazon! Damn, those 30 second snippets don't do anything justice! They tend to pick the worst 30 seconds with which to give you an impression. Back to YouTube! At this point the whole album had been posted on Tube. I picked a couple other tracks and decided on a purchase. I don't remember the tracks selected, otherwise I'd post 'em here for your pleasure. I will share with you my favorite song of the album. Judas.

I now know what draws me to this band. They groove. They ARE quite heavy. Heavy in theme. They most assuredly groove, though. Their main component. I find myself looking forward to their next release. Regrettably, I know nothing of the when or how of it. Once it comes out, if you don't have it, I'll fill you in on it. They deserve it. You deserve to hear it.