Revised Acidosis

Acidosis is In-Your-Face and soon to be in your CD player
By: Lyssa Goldberg

Acidosis, a local crossover thrash band of rebellious teens, has channeled its aggression into the anti-conformist album Colombian Necktie, set to be released October 16, when the band performs at Churchill’s Pub.

“The music we write is angry because we are angry,” expressed lead bassist and lead vocalist Ben Katzman, “but we would rather play angry music than violently take out our anger on people.”

The band members are Ben Katzman, who is a senior at Miami Beach Senior High; drummer Johan Grafe, a senior at Michael Krop Senior High; lead guitarist Justin Vega, who is a junior at Michael Krop Senior High; and newest member, rhythmist and lead guitarist Diego Edsel, a junior at Miami Beach Senior High.

Mario Cianci, a junior who attends Ronald Regan Senior High, was the previous rhythmist and lead guitarist for Acidosis, so his handiwork can be heard on the EP.

“We are not signed to a label because all the label offers we had put complete control over our music,” said Katzman.

This disdain towards authority has manifested itself in a “do-it-yourself” process for creating the album. According to Katzman, the band recorded the tracks, packaged the CDs, and will be releasing the album all on their own.

The recording process was quick and productive. “It’s not hard work because it comes from the heart,” imparted Katzman. “Although sometimes getting a song done is strenuous, we don’t complain because we’d rather do this than a 9-5 job.”

The album’s energized rhythm and blaring vocals stem from everyday experiences that inspire passionate turmoil within these rising musicians. Their music is also influenced by bands such as Megadeth, Metallica, and Black Flag.

“We decided to leave [the tracks] a little raw so you could kind of get the feel of what it’s like to see us live,” said Katzman.

The band members don’t like to play by others’ rules, tending to stray away from following any of their own rules as well. So you won’t find any mainstream pop-rock tracks on this album of thrash metal and hardcore punk. [Maria, I still think this sounds awkward.]

“They’ll always surprise you,” said Andrew Mamber, junior and fan. “I never get bored of hearing the same songs because they always know how to mix it up.”

Acidosis performances are characterized by their carefree chaos as teens head bang, storm the stage, and form mosh pits.

“Going into an Acidosis show, you can expect an electrifying performance,” said Ben Terem, senior and devoted supporter of the band. “Other than that, you never know what’s going to happen.”

“I guarantee that even if you don’t like metal, you would have fun at one of our shows. We are all about having a good time through aggressive music,” mentioned Katzman.

According to Mamber, it has become rare for Acidosis to play a concert in which anyone in the crowd has not heard of them.

“Acidosis is drowning in success,” commented Sean Wouters of The Deaf Poets. “All very young musicians, they are turning Miami on to their scene, and I expect much more in only a short wait.”

“In the future, I see us being a big underground band,” said Katzman. “I don’t really want the band to be signed to a major label. We like having control of what we do and not having to be hassled for it.”

You can visit www.myspace.com/acidosismiami for more information about their upcoming shows. The album will be on sale for five dollars and can be purchased at shows or by contacting the band through their MySpace page.

Song Reviews
(I don’t know where to insert it in the article. I guess you can decide OR we can have it as a sidebar in the newspaper maybe?)

The dynamic intro to “They Live” is surely one that will invigorate the crowds at an Acidosis performance. This fast-paced tune is countered by candidly dramatic lyrics. Lines like “You’ve shown us false hope/Shown us the end/Damaged our liberty/You’ve damaged our death” tell the story of an unbreakable authority that has taken away the public’s freedom.

“Sins of Allegiance” oozes the characteristic angst and rebellion of Acidosis. “Here you fall/Here you cry/No no here comes your lies/Give me discouraging lies.” Ben Katzman’s screaming vocals along with those fiery lyrics originate from the musicians’ experiences with the drama that has resulted from their success.