Here’s the gimmick: Each week, we’ll pick two local bands — an opening act and a headliner — link to a site where you can listen to their songs for free, then ask you to spend a few moments of your precious time to tell us what you think about them. Some may be great, others may be mediocre or awful — that’s for you to decide — all we ask is that you listen with an open mind.
Opening Act: Dyme Squad Divaz
Dyme Squad Divaz
In the case of Dyme Squad Divaz, I’m inclined to be a bit more forgiving than I normally would. My operating assumption here is that this is a novice performer working with a talented producer. And, on that level at least, it’s not bad.
It’s also hard not to get the impression that the primary vocalist, Butter, is quite young. She sounds like a young teenager, in fact, although this may be a quirk of her vocal range or something specifically intended by the mystery producer of these songs. Used properly, this could be a powerful hook, drawing listeners in to hear a fresh, raw voice with something new to say. Apart from a few rare moments in songs like “boorudem,” this doesn’t really happen, though.
Lyrically, all of the songs are either a standard female post-gangsta rap — think Lil’ Kim — with a few hints of original voice and insight trickling in, or somewhat unrewarding R&B songs that simply aren’t able to go very deep into the form, largely because none of the voices seem up to the job. Thematically, it’s essentially a female version of the cliches of modern mainstream hip-hop, being largely about money, sexual prowess, status and the prowess of the performer. Again, it’s not bad, but it’s nothing you haven’t heard before if you keep up with popular music trends.
There’s clearly potential here, and if it is indeed a first recording by a very young artist, it’s quite promising.
Bearing that in mind, I think it’s safe to say that it’s also not particularly inspired music. There’s is a nice balance of R&B nods and decent rap flow, and some of the production quality is quite professional. But nothing you’ll hear on their MySpace profile goes beyond the established norms of mainstream hip-hop. This is music that plays it safe, and that lack of risk-taking ultimately limits the entire listening experience.
I recommend starting with the song “rockin,” which is probably the best-produced track on their playlist.
Headliner: Ghost in the Machine
Ghost in the Machine
As a result, one of the most common complaints about metal is that much of the music sounds similar. And, if we’re being candid, it really does. But that’s kind of like saying “All dogs seem similar, with their four legs, fur and the whole ‘barking’ thing.” Metal is its own species, and if you want to talk about the genre, there are certain stylistic things you have to factor in; the things that make it “metal” in the first place.
Which isn’t to say there isn’t innovation. In fact, there’s a lot of innovation in metal, although you sort of have to listen through the fog of the form to hear it. Some of the most talented guitarist, bassists, drummers and producers in the world are drawn to the form, and for good reason. And this has, in turn, created a sub-subgenre called “progressive” or “prog” metal.
It’s in this camp that Spartanburg-based Ghost in the Machine can be most easily placed. On a casual listen, their music very much sounds like any number of other metal bands. Depending on the song, you can also hear distinct references to the works of earlier bands in the genre.
And yet, on its own terms, GitM’s music has an awful lot going for it. The overall arrangement of the songs is very solid, and on occasion quite innovative. There’s a clear awareness of the history of genre, and on songs like “Gateways to Hell and Your Heart,” you can hear a recombination of ideas bands like Led Zeppelin, Alice In Chains, Metallica (as well as others), all wrapped around a relatively simple set of lyrics. (And, really, it doesn’t get much more simple than revisiting and updating “Liar, liar, pants on fire.”)
As prog metal goes, GitM’s music is very listenable. It never goes too far out int the realms of wacky jazz metal or anything, but it’s also not afraid of pulling ideas from ’80s hair metal (“Curse of My Existence”) to explore the idea of a metal ballad. In terms of having a range of ideas and a damn good band to make use of them, they may in fact be the best local metal band I’ve yet encountered.
Again, all of this praise does come with some preconditions. They’re not as hard as pretty much an death metal band, and their music does occasionally skirt the boundary that divides canny sonic referencing from rehashed cliche. Their lyrics, while certainly no worse than many of the most famous songs in the genre, aren’t anything special, either. In the whole, however, their music is both interesting, informed, masterfully performed and highly entertaining. And, really, what more do you want from a metal act than to understand the music?
Now, it’s your turn. I’ve put my views out here on the digital page, but you can correct, amend, disagree, refute and rebut any and all of it by commenting in the field below. Notice something about the bands that I missed? Write a comment. I’ve had my say, now it’s all about you.
Steve Shanafelt
I’ve probably seen GitM over a hundred times in the past few years, and I don’t even like metal. Really. I definitely appreciate this review; I’ve been trying to explain their sound to people for a long time and haven’t been able to come up with much better than, “Well, it’s like metal.. but it’s not. It is, but it isn’t. And it’s AWESOME!” Over the years my musical tastes have gravitated back to my first true loves–swing and blues–but these guys will always stay on my radar. They have amazing energy and put on some of the best shows I’ve ever seen come out of Spartanburg. Oh and by the way, they will be playing Halloween night at Ground Zero!
Steve, That dyme squad stuff was terrible. I couldnt make it through the first song you recommend. no innovation, not even a good flow, and production that is completely un-original.
Seriously.
One of the worst things i’ve listened to in a while.
Also, why is it that metal bands are always HUGE guys? Is it a requirement?
Like I said, I’m erring strongly on the side of caution with Dyme Squad Divaz, largely because I think it might be high-school age kids making the music. But you certainly have legitimate grounds for your view.
Hi Dave! This is Mike from GITM. First of all, thanks for checking us out. We appreciate feedback and invite the good with the bad. Second, I am the ONLY big guy in the band and it isn’t required but it comes in handy at times,LOL! Photography can be tricky huh? Anyway, just having fun with ya! Thanks to you as well Steve!
Mike Huskey
Bassist
GITM
Steve … I was looking for info about GroundZero and found your site. Maybe I’m missing it somehow but the info for GroundZero is pretty limited. I have found different sites that list anyone from Kellen Heller – Gwen Stacy – Ghost in the Machine – to be playing there on Halloween 09. My 16 year old daughter and her (just turned) 18 year old boyfriend want to go there Halloween. Since I worked for years at UPS just up the street I have driven by numerous times and seen police on the scene at GZ. I would appreciate any input from you or your readers on this venue.
Thanks
It’s on our calendar, but not on the right-hand side one. The sidebar calendar is just for what’s happening on the next few days. If you want the full music calendar (which is updated once a week, and usually goes out for a few weeks at a time), visit the Venues & Music section here: http://www.spartanburgspark.com/clubs-music/
I’d be more afraid of your daughter’s 18 year old boyfriend than Ground Zero. I’ve been going there since I was 14, and as long as you trust your daughter not to leave with anyone there, it’s a really harmless place. There was one (relatively) big drug bust on New Year’s Eve when I was a freshman in high school (which would have been.. um.. 10 years ago?), but the place has really cleaned up since then.
Ground Zero’s official website is http://www.GroundZeroRocks.com. There’s more info on their MySpace page these days, though, which is http://www.myspace.com/GroundZeroRocks.
Maybe I just have a problem sending a teenager in a place that has drinking.
Since you were 14 huh?
Are you male or female?
Again, it would really depend on how much you trust your daughter–they draw big fat X’s on each hand when you go in under 21, and give bracelets to people over 21. At least they did when I went there at age 16.
I’m female. I totally understand your reservations, but I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. My personal advice though, not speaking as a parent so it may not mean much: just listen to your instincts. You don’t have to justify your decisions until your daughter’s 18 lol.
FredR, we have brought our 12 year old twice to GZ(strictly supervised, of course) and have never had any problems. I have been by myself also and have never encounterd problems. I have never once felt uncomfortable, or in danger while at GZ. Honestly, I feel more uncomfortable at Wal Mart LOL. Just coming from one parent to another. hope this helps.
“I feel more uncomfortable at Wal Mart LOL.”
ME TOO!
ForedR-Be willing to let your kid live a little. It’ll help her learn how to deal with life better.
Great idea ‘Listening Party’.
Let the people decide and also promote local talent.
GITM is a very good band in this genre and I’ll bet they have a strong following. It’s even better when they have a live cut up on their site!
As far as Dyme…I don’t believe in artists or comedians that use foul language as a tool. so, no comment.
Thanks you Steve for widening our horizons.
Chance
hi this is butter from the dyme squad diva and i wonted to say thank you for this dymesquad@gmail.com