In essence, music is the driving force that blends every emotion fathomable. The notes, timing, and expression communicate our deepest values and thoughts so that the listener can experience a brief moment of social unification. We self identify with these experiences in an intangible way. Similarly, the motivation to create this experience is the catalyst that takes an average musician and transforms him or her into an amazing artist.
When you take into account how many musicians there are in the world, very few of them have the ambition and drive to make it into the music industry. Still even fewer follow suit to permeate through our ears and create a real connection when we listen to the sounds of their souls.
Instinctively, I am a fan of music. I hold no discrimination toward any genre on an analytical level; although I do have my own tendencies to listen to hard rock more than I do anything else.
I recently had the great pleasure to meet a Memphis based hardcore band by the name of Chaos Order last month as they played a local show at the Hi-Tone small room.
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Neal Bledsoe is the lead vocalist, Jared Filsinger graces the bass as well as provides backup vocals, Austin Russell provides guitar as well as backup vocals, and Samual Davidson keeps everyone together with his drums.
First of all, meeting these guys brought an entirely new meaning to the phrase “Don’t judge a book by its cover.” These are some of the nicest dudes I’ve ever met in my life. They’ve toured all over the United States, released five label-backed records, and yet still remain humble to fact that they are the new face of post-hardcore rock.
When I began listening to their music, the first thing I thought was, “Where the hell did this occult band come from, and how can I feel so much resonance from their music?” They get your blood boiling to a peak of eruption and then in an instant gracefully soothe it gently down to a simmer before flooding your ears with progressive rhythms that absolutely ARE NOT meant for the average pop (pronounced poop) listener.
If you can’t appreciate the Doors, Pink Floyd, Rush, Led Zepplin, or Hendrix for bringing in a new tide of the way that music is played, then you might not be able to appreciate them. However, if you like newer progressive bands like Every Time I Die, Meshuggah, Glassjaw, or Rise Against, then I’d encourage you to check out the stuff they’ve got streaming on their bandcamp.
They definitely have a more raw sound than what most of the youth today has grown up with, but that’s honestly what attracts me to their music more than anything else.
It just happens to be a plus that these guys have a soft spot for charity as well. Two years ago Chaos Order put together an even entitled “The Stage Dive to Save Lives” to benefit St. Jude Children’s Hospital. They raised over $3,000 with other local Memphis bands backing them, and they are heavy with anticipation to announce the new lineup for this year’s event.
If you would like to sponsor the event, make a donation, or buy some awesome merch for which money will also be donated to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, check out their webpage, but keep in mind that spots and supplies are limited!
Check out Chaos Order on YouTube or listen to them streaming alongside the best in active rock and local favorites only on LocalXRadio
Local Memphis Artist Profile: Chaos Order In essence, music is the driving force that blends every emotion fathomable. The notes, timing, and expression communicate our deepest values and thoughts so that the listener can experience a brief moment of social unification.