Focal Point

Thursday, March 31, 2005

By Ted Shaw

(Photo) The local band Focal Point will perform at today's tsunami benefit concert. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Randy Samrah, left, bassist Max Marshall, drummer Rob Samrah and guitarist Paul Sperduti. - The Windsor Star

Thursday, September 29, 2005

By Ted Shaw

Windsor's Focal Point is taking control of its own destiny with an ambitious 11-song CD, What You Control, a year in the making but finally ready for release Friday at The Chubby Pickle Rock N Roll Saloon. 762 Ouellette Ave.
"A lot of the songs involve controls that are put on our life from the outside," said Focal Point guitarist and lead singer, Randy Samrah, 25.
The Grade 7 and 8 teacher at Woodslee's St. John the Evangelist school formed the band in 1999 with his twin brother, Rob, who plays drums.
The original group recorded a CD in 2000, but after a hiatus of a couple years, the Samrahs added a new bass player, Max Marshall, 22, then guitarist Paul Sperduti, 26.
"The writing is a lot better this time," said Samrah. "With Max and Paul, the sound really filled out."
The album's slashing electronics and aggressive vocals, balanced by acoustic guitars and violins in quieter moments, recall the alternative rock of The Smashing Pumpkins and Pearl Jam. Later this fall, the band hopes to shoot a video for the song Fade Down with film maker Gavin Booth. - The Windsor Star

September 2004

By Daniel Pullo

Light the wick, stand back and experience the explosive sounds of Focal Point. These highly combustible modern rockers from Windsor, Ontario pack quite a punch, and have been doing so for over four years. With great sounds and intense high-energy performances, the four members of Focal Point have the right chemistry to make more than just music, but rather a hard felt musical experience.
"You have to put on a show," says vocalist/guitarist Randy Samrah. "You have to become the music, feel the energy inside - the audience will feel it as well."
With the recent addition of a few new members, the "new and improved" Focal Point has a distinct flavor that fans from all over cannot get enough of.
Focal Point's 13-song debut CD "Out of Focus," was released in 2000 and is a unique blend of modern rock executed with an in-you-face burst of energy. With the help of much air time on commercial and campus radio stations and the media, the entire first run of the album was sold out within a year of the release date.
Currently, Focal Point is busy with their next full-length CD, which is due out early next year. It is being recorded locally at The Sound Foundry in Kingsville.
"It took a bit of time to get new members and develop a sound that we were all proud of," says Randy.
The band has recently released a double-single CD to help promote the release of the next album. The songs will both be featured on the full-length, which promises to be more focused and as intense as the band's debut.
Focal Point has rocked a number of venues all across Ontario. In 2002, the band was featured on "The Lofters" on The Life Network. The band has also rocked the Toronto scene for the past couple of years, playing frequently in the downtown circuit. Locally, Focal Point has performed at many venues, including at The Avalon Front, Spicoli's Barley Bin, Abars, and The Loop.
Currently, the band is looking to secure a promotion, distribution and recording deal, and upon completion of the new full-length CD, a tour will be put together.
"Windsor is just starting to build-up its live music scene again. We jumped in on the tail end of the 'glory days' of the local scene. but we did experience it," says Randy.
Veterans of the local scene, Focal Point has managed to develop a following while staying true to their roots.
Focal Point is Randy Samrah (Vocal, Guitar), Paul Sperduti (Vocals, Guitar), Max Marshall (Bass), and Rob Samrah (Drums). For more information on Focal Point, visit www.focalpointband.com
Watch Focal Point perform at Windsor Social's next Magazine Release Party at Bopper's Cafe on October 2nd. - Windsor Social Magazine

November 2002

By Sheila Busteed

Randy Samrah was the first of three acoustic acts of the evening. His band Focal Point had been asked to perform, but with the recent addition of their new bassist, Max Marshall, the band felt they were not ready to perform live. Samrah, however, agreed to do an acoustic solo set.
Samrah, 22, has been playing guitar for ten years and singing for about six years. One of the "co-founders" of Focal Point, Randy's music is full of strong meaningful lyrics.
"A lot of feeling and history goes into my writing, based on my memories and experiences and beliefs," says Samrah.
His live performance was so well done that the results were comparable to recorded quality. His set included three original songs, all of them still untitled, and a Pearl Jam cover. - Shoreline News

February 7, 2002

By Nick Brancaccio

(Photo) Singer and guitarist Randy Samrah of the rock group Focal Point performs during a student rally and demonstration aimed at freezing tuition fees. Hundreds of students voiced their disappointment with the cost of their post-secondary education and signed a large banner and petition. - The Windsor Star

January 22, 2002

By Lindsay Bloemink

Every good band needs to know they can be great. The reaction at the Thirsty Scholar, Saturday, January 12th, provoked strong promise for some newly discovered Windsor talent that graced the stage.
Allisa Scott, a University of Windsor student called Focal Point "very genre challenging with punk-like drums beats and contrasting vocals".
The band - Jordan Dollar (bass), Rob Samrah (drums) and singer Randy Samrah on lead guitar - kept it simple and motived, while blasting their past through the minds of the locals.
"When we're mad, for whatever reason, the energy derived from social issues or the past makes us write. Once it's off our chest we progress not only as people but stylistically in our music," said Randy Samrah.
"The live scene [in Windsor] needs to take a turnaround. Too many see the local scene as a town of 'booty bars' and with that claim so much talent goes to waste," said Samrah." - The Lance (University of Windsor)

July 2000

By Kate Milberry

Local indie band Focal Point have solidified their move into original music with their debut CD. The album showcases a rather traditional blend of modern and alternative rock, but the 13 songs are executed with passion and precision.
The quality of sound is good too, thanks to Chris Pistagnesi at the Sound Foundry.
The first track, an instrumental called "Bubba's Barbecue", begins with a party call, and launches into a portrayal of the guitar as an Olympic event. U of W student Randy Samrah's guitar athleticism aside, the CD is a good representation of the band's live show, which is frenzied, sweaty, intense rock and roll at its best. - Room Magazine

July 2006

By Mary-Helen Clark-Mackinnon

After one year of being the Chubby
Pickle’s main attraction, Focal Point is ready to take on the world.
The Windsor quartet made their presence felt on the Windsor music scene during the indie band nights the Chubby Pickle holds every
Tuesday.“We played the bar’s one year anniversary on the 19th, but we see our anniversary as the following Tuesday. That’s when we made our first appearance there,” said Randy
Samrah, Focal Point’s front man. The Windsor bar has become a mainstay for many bands trying to make it on the national scene. Ashes of Somastarted receiving major buzz as a result of playing there. Focal Point is hoping to accomplish the same thing. They are one of two local bands that have a drink named after them at the club, and they are regulars on their stage.
“We’re really fortunate that the
Chubby Pickle is open because over
the last five years there was really no place to play. Now we get to play alongside some national and international acts,” said Samrah. “It also gave local bands a chance to watch other bands and form a community. ”Two of those bands were Evans Blue and
KoRn.
Focal Point opened for both acts last winter.
“It was surreal. KoRn got up and used our instruments,” said Samrah “I kept thinking, ‘Wow, KoRn’s music is coming from our amps.’ It was really cool.”
However, not everything has been perfect. Max Marshall, the band’s bassist left the band on good terms to pursue other opportunties.
Marco Antonuzzo of the Windsor band Area 51 will filling in until a replacement is found. Focal Point will be playing shows in Windsor and around Southwestern Ontario to promote their sophomore disc "What You Control". The tracks are intense and energetic rock. They showcase the same angst that most rock bands have,
but give it something extra by using
simplistic vocals and merging acoustic and electric guitars to give the album a raw feel.
Nothing, however, compares to a live Focal Point show. The album doesn’t do them justice, and they command incredible stage presence for a young, unsigned band. Their intensity and natural charisma direct you to the stage, and their performance will keep
you there. You’ll be captivated by their performance and will probably
attempt to sing along, even if it is the first time you’ve heard the band. Focal Point is definitely a band worth catching live, as they seemingly improve every time you watch them. Each performance
gets better, which isn’t surprising
considering the amount of time
they spend playing live.
For show information and upcoming performances, check out Focal Point’s myspace a http://www.myspace.com/focalpointband. - Canada Social