In
the same vein as Filter and other established hard rock/industrial
bands, Vancouver natives, Templar, intend to cause a dramatic
impact on the new music scene without sounding like another
heavy-metal riff band with a break beat and synthesizers.
By
adding in elements of sludgy, distorted riffage ("The
Need," the hard-hitting, gritty opening track), hip-hop
(the funky eclecticism of "Megatryp"), lush vocal
arrangements ("Long Way Down"), acoustic guitars
(the enchanting ballad, "My Direction"), techno
beats, keyboards, and dare I say.........talent. These boys
are riding their debut CD beyond the confines of just Under
the Sun!
The
first single, "Here We Go," is an infectious techno/rock
gem; the video is already in constant rotation on Much Music.
Lead singer and chief songwriter, Murray Yates, expresses
passion and depth in his vocal offerings, while Scott Switzer
(Bass Guitar), Nick Pesut (Drums, Percussion) and Will C.
(Guitar, Loops, Keys), produce a viciously tight rhythm
section.
Whatever
is lacking in the lyrics is made up for with brilliant hook-laden
song structure and flow. In an industry that's dominated
by nothing but rap/rock acts such as Limp Bizkit and a hot
commodity of manufactured boy bands, it's refreshing to
hear a group defy these common formulas, creating something
that's truly original.
