A New Sound
By Tristan D'Ennery

When was the last "alternative" band you heard that was actually alternative? I certainly can't remember. But last night I saw two original bands at the 10 High Club that truly provided an alternative to everything I've been hearing lately: Twelfth Planet and Cinetrope.

Both bands have female leads that, while their vocal styles are a bit different, share a talent for writing poetic, meaningful lyrics that draw the audience in. Twelfth Planet blends rock, jazz, new wave, funk, and world, creating a delicious musical collectivism that really does defy a label. Their songs encompassed everything from a bossa tune with inspirational lyrics to an angst-filled rock odyssey.
 

Aradia, the vocalist (and sometimes guitarist) of Twelfth Planet, has an electrifying stage presence that hypnotized the crowd for the full 35 minutes that they were on stage - myself included. Her Eastern-influenced dance and the driving rhythmic, melodic quality of their songs made for a tasty combination. The whole band displayed high-caliber musicianship.

Cinetrope has a smooth, spacey sound that is unlike anything I've ever heard. Sharron sings with an almost jazzy texture, reminding me just a little of Portishead. They did a fantastic funked-out cover of Immigrant Song, which everybody loved. Their set brought together the genres of rock, pop, new wave, and something I couldn't quite put my finger on. Whatever it was, it's what made them sound so different. While their style was a little mellower than Twelfth Planet, they kept the entire room equally engaged for the duration of their set.

I highly recommend these bands the next time you're shopping for a CD or looking to check out a great local show. Visit www.twelfthplanet.org and www.cinetrope.net for more info.
 

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