


So much of today's heavy alternative rock/rap music is musically engaging but lyrically void of true substance and notions of redemption. Many bands offer either total fluff of simply grim and depressing looks at the world with no light at the end of the long, dark tunnel. In a genre where so few bands are willing to take a stand for what they truly believe in, Los Angeles based C-Trunk on its self titled Active Entertainment debut confidently pushed the envelope to the edge, rapping and singing about things that matter most to them. The twenty tracks-including three interludes and Spanish version of four key songs-take hard hitting looks at personal struggles, broken friendships with people not on the straight up, loss and suffering, and on "Stop Bein' a Slave" the Raza movement, which reflects the largely Hispanic band's commitment to the empowerment of the Mexican American people. In perfect harmony with their dynamic mix of aggressive, raging guitar crunching, gloomy atmospheres and fun, festive beats, their lyrics take us through the frustration and anger of dark times but in the end, offer a tremendous ray of hope and even a silver joy here and there. Everything is a real deal, born from true experience. Four of the five-band members vocalist/rapper G-Voz, DJ Rolo (effects and samples), guitarist Migz and bassist Greg B, are ex gang members, and three are from the barrios of East Los Angeles. Each has seen enough drug dealing, gunplay and blood to last a lifetime. Greg B, who founded C-Trunk with G-Voz in 1998 grows up in Phoenix, the son of Mafia- tied family. Drummer Tiny is a professional touring musician who grew up in the suburbs of Long Island. Having overcome the traumas have there past, they hope to inspire others from similar backgrounds that there is redemption in music, for those willing to follow a dream. "We're excited over how well the album reflects the original vision we had, to create a heavy thumpin' danceable groove while taking the listener through a dark, scary tunnel with a light at the end, " says lead singer/rapper G-Voz "the fun comes from all the monsters that have to be killed along the way. The idea is to present a positive path through a detailed description of the dark side, digging deep for the positive message within. Just like we have done in our own lives, the message is that despite coming from a screwed up background, you can beat back the demons by staying true to yourself. Another element that sets C-Trunk apart from the alt-rap pack is the solid song structure and melodic elements of the bands music. There writing process always begins with either a specific guitar or bass riff before the implementation of vocals: each member of the group has input when it comes to the melody and construction of the song. "We are about so much more than angry rants, says G-Voz "strong melodies and comprehension on the listener's part are very important to what we do. We want every song to be a true song. When Greg and Migz come up with riffs, they tend to keep them short so as to allow ample room for loops beats and samples. We like the roller coaster ride with intense highs and somber lows. But the melody to stick". Key tracks on C-Trunk's debut are the first single 'Someone" a straightforward alt rock ballad about a man's helplessness over chasing a woman who's no good to him; " Breathe," a funky jam talking about the anger over a friend stabbing another in the back; the raucous "Buttermouth" whose speedy rap talks about loose lips and betrayal; the blistering "Under" about a guy doing some soul searching after harsh accusations; " I Pray," a rant at God venting G-Voz's anger over the tragic shooting death of Chodle, a lifelong friend of G-Voz who was C-Trunk's original DJ( the band was named after him); and " Stop Bein' A Slave" which talks about the Raza Movement and its goal to empower the Mexican American people to overcome oppressions. The album features Spanish version of "Under", "Someone", "Mine and "Never Thinks."
Privacy Policy
©Copyright 2000, Boosweet Records Online