Home  |  Hi-Fi Audio Reviews  Audiophile Shows Partner Mags  News       

High-End High-Performance Audiophile Review Magazine & Hi-Fi Audio Equipment Reviews
Audiophile Equipment Review Magazine High-End Audio

  High-Performance Audio Reviews
  Music News, Show Reports, And More!

  29 Years Of Service To Music Lovers

Enjoy the Music.com Review Magazine
The Autonomous Region
Forbidden City

Review By Keith "MuzikMan" Hannaleck
Click here to e-mail reviewer

 

  So Autonomous is defined as a person's capacity for self-determination in the context of moral choices. In moral and political philosophy, autonomy is often used as the basis for determining moral responsibility for one's actions. But wait, this is a music review right? The Autonomous Region enters the Forbidden City and gives the local residents an earful. That being said, how does this relate to an alt punk rock CD? Everything about the word autonomous applies here and I think the lyrics surrounding their powerful music make a statement, one that can be heard by anyone within earshot, this means you Forbidden City. All dictionary definitions and political intonations aside, this is very cool music.

The centerpiece for this band is Caroline Cabading, a mysterious singer that reminded me of The Motels lead singer Martha Davis at times. She delivers their lyrics with an edge whether it needs an "in your face fist waving oomph" ("Don't Tread On Me") or a tender touch that is sexy and inviting ("I Can't Help"). Her voice can be beautiful and smooth or hard and angry like on the opening track "Don't Tread On Me." She screams "Don't tread on me, Here I'm not your f***king maid, and then "Here my skin I do not fade." This says in no uncertain terms "You are going to hear or "here" me whether you want to or not. There is attitude galore here and justified anger but also a resolution in their angry lyrical prose. This is where the word autonomous applies in a big way. Just listen to "Shine", it tells the story and their rhetoric is clearly defined through their musical messages.

With the variety of communications they are transmitting they pepper it all with music that offers just as much change and energy. I heard metal and punk on the Jefferson Airplane classic "White Rabbit". This is the up to date version, a jump from the late sixties to present day society and all its complexities. It's not hard to hear all of that angst in the track if you listen with open ears…the heart and mind will follow in due time. I know Grace Slick would be proud of this rendition. "Took My Breath Away" has a reggae jazz feel to it and "I-Hotel" is just a flat out rocker with a big guitar sound.

Cabading sounds like she would be comfortable singing jazz songs in a nightclub or screaming out song after song at The Headbanger's Ball. With the harder edged songs I detected a bit of a strain and some off key notes although I am sure they are intended to be that way, it sure sounds like it fits. And really, you can't deliver a socially conscious message like they have by whispering sweet nothings, so in the end it totally works.

All of this is made possible by the solid backing provided by Chet Canlas (guitar), Tyrone Davis (drums), and Phil Ergina (bass). Ron Quesada was added as a second guitar after the release of this CD. Forbidden City is all about cultural diversity and an open mind, screw the political correctness crap and speak the truth, and while were at it everyone can have some fun and rock out. If this is what you seek then The Autonomous Region has your answer.

 

 

Enjoyment:

Sound Quality:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     
 

Quick Links


Premium Audio Review Magazine
High-End Audiophile Equipment Reviews

 

Equipment Review Archives
Turntables, Cartridges, Etc
Digital Source
Do It Yourself (DIY)
Preamplifiers
Amplifiers
Cables, Wires, Etc
Loudspeakers/ Monitors
Headphones, IEMs, Tweaks, Etc
Superior Audio Gear Reviews

 

 


Show Reports
HIGH END Munich 2024
AXPONA 2024 Show Report
Montreal Audiofest 2024 Report

Southwest Audio Fest 2024
Florida Intl. Audio Expo 2024
Capital Audiofest 2023 Report
Toronto Audiofest 2023 Report
UK Audio Show 2023 Report
Pacific Audio Fest 2023 Report
T.H.E. Show 2023 Report
Australian Hi-Fi Show 2023 Report
...More Show Reports

 

Videos
Our Featured Videos

 


Industry & Music News

High-Performance Audio & Music News

 

Partner Print Magazines
audioXpress
Australian Hi-Fi Magazine
hi-fi+ Magazine
Sound Practices
VALVE Magazine

 

For The Press & Industry
About Us
Press Releases
Official Site Graphics

 

 

 

     

Home   |   Hi-Fi Audio Reviews   |   News   |   Press Releases   |   About Us   |   Contact Us

 

All contents copyright©  1995 - 2024  Enjoy the Music.com®
May not be copied or reproduced without permission.  All rights reserved.