Music scene gets new faces

Edges of Seven

Promotional picture of Canadian industrial rockers Edges of Seven. From left to right Robert Takacs, Jay Hagan, Mark, and Corey Hunt.

Two bands face challenges to become known in the music scene

by Estaban Sena

Bands that have already hit it big go through countless efforts to make sure their fans get what they deserve. But for bands on the rise or just starting out those efforts are even more strenuous in the hope that they will pay off. Two bands face those challenges and hope to overcome them to get noticed.

Canada’s industrial metal group Edges of Seven, or Eo7 to fans, is going through the trails of releasing their debut album “Born Again Hard”, named after a line in Stanley Kubrick’s Full Metal Jacket.

“It really signifies a rebirth from timid to hardened. We were coasting along before this CD, then we realized that we had to get it out there and kick everyone’s asses with our own brand of industrial metal,” Robert Takacs, vocalist for the band, said in an interview conducted by e-mail.

The album is the first full-length album that the band has put out since starting in 2000. Takacs is backed by Corey Hunt on synthesizers, Jay Hagan on drums, Mark on guitar and Ryan Smith on bass for the album.

When asked about some of the setbacks the band experienced while producing the album, Takacs admitted that finances were part of getting the album done alongside tweaking the album’s sound and a fitting tribute to Smith who passed away during the making of the album.

“He helped make Eo7 the band it is, and his influence will always be prominent,” Takacs said. “The new CD is dedicated to Ryan, and is his last recorded work. We want it to be a great testament to his talent and heart.”

“Born Again Hard’s” actual release date is still in the works as the album was released for purchase and download on iTunes on April 5 while actual CDs are getting pressed. The band is hoping that everything goes well and that the album is well received so that they can tour in support of it, Takacs said.

Estaban Sena

2cents guitarist Dean Woordward plays at the Sunshine

Another rising band that knows the rigors of touring is California’s metal band 2cents. The quartet started out four years ago with brothers Adam and Dave O’Rourke on drums and guitar respectably, Dean Woodward on guitar and Jesse Fishman on bass. Adam also does lead vocals for the band.

“We’re out to create rock and roll history,” Adam said jokingly in their tour van outside of the Sunshine Theater after playing a set that almost did not happen.

“Yeah, we’re out to change the face of music,” Woodward adds.
After forgetting about the time change between Arizona and New Mexico, the band had little time but to unload their trailer and get on stage on April 5.

Another incident that might help the band succeed in becoming notorious for touring was when an unidentified object shattered their driver side window outside of Tucson.

The band is currently touring with Otep and Static X in hopes of pushing its debut album “Lost at Sea” further along.

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Adam of 2cents autographs a fan's leg at the Sunshine in April

When asked about what some of the hardships of playing on the road, Woodward summed up the band’s feeling that the hardest part was going farther from home in California.

But touring does pay off, and Dean feels that seeing fans singing along to their favorite songs is a sign the band is doing something right.

Sharing the stage with bands that they support is one of Adam’s favorite parts of touring. “They are all great bands and great to play with,” Adam said.

Dave liked being on the road with his younger brother Adam. “We can bitch at each other and piss each other off and then forget about it five minutes later and go back to being friends,” Dave said.

Both bands acknowledge that the fans are who make them do what they do for their genre of music.

“I spend a lot of time online, and I believe in communicating with the audience is vital,” Takacs said.

“If you ever hear about a thing called 2cents coming to your town, check it out or spread the word,” Fishman said.

Edges of Seven hopes that “Born Again Hard” will be released sometime before April ends while, as mentioned before, 2cents is currently on tour for“Lost at Sea” which is available in stores now.

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