Local rock fans, it’s about that time! Thanks to everyone who has been sending me new tunes and giving excellent feedback on the Local Radar acts in the past few months! I am glad to help contribute some material to your playlists, week after week!
We’ve all been there: You wake up in the morning, pour a cup of coffee, and unfortunately, the first thing you do is check social media. However, sometimes that can be a good thing, because like a big wake-up smack in the face, a band that you may have been wondering about releases some new music. Or ads suggest that you “may Like” something. Most of the time they’re wrong, and so are your friends’ newsfeeds, but this time around, it was right. This week, I am going to talk about Beyond Visible, a band that so many people have been putting into my ears as of late. Although I’ve heard of them for quite a while, it took me a few weeks to fully get into them. Now that I am on board, there is no turning back. I am sure many of you are familiar with them already, and if you’re not, get ready.
Beyond Visible are a heavy metal and rock band with members Dean, Tom, Scott, Bryan and Rob. What does their name mean, you ask? I haven’t the slightest idea, but it’s something to take in with an open mind. I recently featured them on my new “Monthly Metal Feature” on Jersey Rock, and got great reviews. Their sound can easily be played on any active rock station, yet can make the crossover to extremely heavy. Let’s just say it’s a perfect balance.
They released their debut full-length this past summer, Creating Change, and it’s filled with great content, appeasing to listeners of many genres. No song sounds alike or similar to another, and there is a great deal of variety. You can purchase this album on most media outlets, and I can tell just by how enthusiastic they get about the release that they poured their hearts and souls into this record. Solid guitars and great lyrics alone make the album worth it. However, there is much more to it than that.
My personal favorite song of theirs is “Astray,” as I feel it really has that crossover blend. It has all of the key components of a smash hit, from the contagious riff and scream throughout to the highs and lows in the chorus and verses. Let’s not forget to mention how much it showcases Dean’s vocals as well. He has all of the dominant frontman qualities and is a powerhouse, which can sometimes be paralleled by few in this genre. I remember the first time I heard “Astray,” and while it really didn’t stick out too much, I kept listening, and it really grew on me. The song builds up so many emotions to the point where it seems like the lyrics are coming straight from the heart. There is always that one song that can really define a band from listenable to unforgettable, and I feel that this is the bread and butter.
Now, I have a confession to make. I am not trying to start a war here, by any means, but I am sure many of you may agree with me on this statement: In my own opinion, it’s kind of hard to get into heavy rock albums these days, because so many are starting to sound alike. However, there is something about Beyond Visible that completely gets my attention. Maybe it’s the fact that they utilize their musical strengths in all of the right places and their song structures are fantastic. Or perhaps it’s the fact that they don’t try to be something they are not. Upon first listen and glance of their socials and website, I could tell that they play hard rock and metal with an attitude. Their music backs that statement, and if you don’t like their music, they’re going to continue to play it anyway, because it’s what they know.
Beyond Visible have some great shows coming up at the end of the month, stopping by the Starland Ballroom and The Legendary Dobbs. I must say they put on one of the best live shows around and have a cult following. It’s always exciting to see local bands have a consistent fanbase, that you will see some of the same people at every show, with more and more friends tagging along. Their energy is strong from start to finish, almost as if performing comes effortlessly to them. Hey, it should with most acts, but that takes practice, and they have nailed the live thing down. I would like to interview the group and ask them how long they all have been playing together, for it seems like a lifetime judging by the tightness and symmetry. Of course, I also have to mention that they completely look the part. Not to imply that there are any sort of gimmicks, but if you saw these guys out on the street, you would think that they might be rock stars, as they look like they belong on the stage with instruments in hand.
So if you get the chance to pick up Beyond Visible’s album, Creating Change, I am sure it will make you get out to a show sooner rather than later. I feel that there is a place in the market for this band, and if they continue the path they are on, they will get there. I will be back next week with some more hot local talent, so keep sending me those suggestions. I want to continue to wake up in the morning and find the next best thing. Hopefully I will see you guys at some shows this weekend, and yes, take that as a hint.