Music Review

'Headstrong' jolts listeners out of monotony

by Jaclyn Roco
Arts & Entertainment Editor

Pop in the CD and enter the world of Headstrong, a Canadian quartet sure to knock your eardrums out.

This college­formed band started after uploading their songs onto the Internet, and after just one year of exposure, listeners around the world began to appreciate Headstrong's tendency to create songs that are different.

This is a group that proves that rock does not have to be emotionally safe to be successful. Each and every song is formulated to force people to think.

Citing popular artists like Stone Temple Pilots and Radiohead as influences, Headstrong has a head start on other beginning artists.

Their style revolves around rap and metal, insuring them success in today's pop culture, which centers on bands like Linkin Park and System of a Down.

However, Headstrong's otherwise jaded lyrics sound rather similar to what controversial rapper Eminem would spoon out. The group dedicates songs like "Swing Harder" to its audience, encouraging listeners to escape musical monotony into their world--a world full of explosive, introverted notes all dedicated to you. "Do you have a temper, temper?" they ask.

It almost seems as if Headstrong's songs are mocking you. Do not be surprised then if you find yourself drifting off into believing that they are holding an actual conversation with you.

Headstrong, as their record label RCA claims, "strives to give mainstream rock a much-needed jolt of creativity."

And what creativity do they give! All 12 tracks on their selftitled debut cease to sound alike.

The song, "I Am for Real" sounds similar to Enigma. After a couple of minutes of wandering peace, vocalist Matt Kinna drowns out the notes and wakes you up. The music escalates to the sounds of Brian Matthews (drums), John Cohen (bass) and Joel Crass (guitar).

Headstrong's first single, "Adriana," consists of a bunch of mumbled words that make your head spin. You are constantly bombarded by the sound of angry guitars and mocking voices, sure to leave you feeling emotionally pumped up.

"Hoodies and Hoods," although rather similar to today's popular songs, is still a pure Headstrong creation. Their quiet rage builds into an inferno of angry clashes of revolting, ugly words that practically drip with sarcasm. This song is definitely a classic.

So if you are the type who loves screaming vocalists drowning out your mixed thoughts, Headstrong is a definite treat.