Pleasure To Burn- Systematic
Aggressive hard rock band Systematic smashed onto the music scene in 2001 with the release of its critically acclaimed album Somewhere in Between. Now two years later the foursome has come together and given birth a completely different album tilted Pleasure to Burn. And if you like to rock it will be a pleasure to listen to.
The album is a caustic, full-on distorted attack.
“There’s so much cookie cutter music out there. We didn’t want to repeat ourselves,” said Tim Narducci, guitarist and vocalsist, “We had the luxury of taking about nine to eleven months after coming off the road and just writing, using all different approaches.”
Their hard work is reflected in the music. Songs such as “Not Like You,” “Leaving Only Scars” and “Breakable” exemplify the band’s growth.
Title track “Pleasure to Burn” pulses with heavy guitar riffs hung over driving drumbeats. The entire album is bleeding heavy rock. A definite influence that can be heard throughout is Metallica, which makes sense considering Lars Ulrich, Metallica’s drummer, signed Systematic to his record label Elektra in 2000. Narducci’s raspy voice along with Adam Rappel’s guitar playing set the ominous.
“This record is a huge step forward for us in every way,” said Narducci.
“Lyrically, I think we tried to be too complex on the first album, too abstract. We’re breaking it down more, simplifying, as well as coming up a step in musicianship.”
The group wanted to make their sophomore effort a bit heavier so they enlisted some help. Howard Benson (P.O.D., Blindside) produced the album and helped define the band’s improved sound. “Howard pushes you. He challenges you to get the most out of each song,” said Narducci. The song that Narducci likes to think captures the essence of the album is “Shine.”
“It’s just a real aggressive song and pretty much gets to the point, which was one of our goals on this record,” said Narducci. “I think we’ve captured the energy of the band to come across the speakers on the stereo. It’s got more energy than our last one. It’s more believable. It’s real.” – David Young
“Comedian”
DVD release May 13
“Comedian” weaves two stories of life on the comedy trail: the tremendously successful Jerry Seinfeld returning to the comedy club circuit to develop an all new act, and newcomer Orny Adams, whose slow climb to success is only outshined by his own egotistical aspirations. The film is shot documentary style with a definite “behind the scenes” feel and is accompanied by a hip, jazzy soundtrack.
Highlights include discussions on the comedic craft with Seinfeld and other standup legends such as Colin Quinn, Chris Rock, Bill Cosby, Garry Shandling and Jay Leno.
This is as close to Seinfeld as we’ve ever been allowed, and it’s amusing to watch someone as wealthy as he is driving himself to gigs in small, smoky clubs.
Even Seinfeld sees the irony of returning to the harsh world of comedy clubs. When confronted by a noisy crowd on Long Island, he asks his friends backstage, “How BIG do you have to be to get people to stop talking during your set?”
Overall, the film brings the often not-so-happy comedic world to the living room and reminds us why we didn’t go into comedy. – It’s difficult and requires strength, perseverance and a great deal of luck to succeed. – Jeska Dzwigalski
