Masonia

Masonia 'World On Fire' Silverback/MGM
Attacking his lines with all the urgency of a man on the run, singer and guitarist Altiyan is taking no prisoners, even when he pulls back to whisper his taut, febrile lyrics. That vocal tension is only the obvious in the Masonia armoury, the other three players skillfully working the drama inherent in the song. Even when the intent is most obscure, you know there is a darkness at the core that is battling to break free.
Here, even in the greatest song, it's obvious that for Altiyan, or the personae he creates in his music, love truly is a battlefield, and never has disappointment and despair sounded so uplifting. Masonia music has the grandeur of the best U2 or Tool with the edginess and, occasionally, raw spleen those bands only display occasionally today. Neither of these bands would be game to deliver lines like "Is this the U.S. number one song/Hands up who gives a f**k about that" (Is This The Life) to their multinational labels, not even Bono.
It's a luxury only an unknown indie band on the other side of the planet unlikely to get much attention anyway can afford. Yet Masonia haven't compromised on their sound, and that, I imagine, has worked against them. The idea of "stadium rock" carries too much derogatory baggage these days, unless of course you're a hugely successful international stadium rock act. In an inner-city Sydney pub, It's all too easy to dismiss as pretentious. I know Queen used to have the same problem.
They were lucky. Their tenacity paid off. Altiyan isn't Bono or Freddie, though who knows what he could become if given the opportunities of those guys. Masonia have the kind of sound and sense of drama and dynamics that would see them lauded in Europe in particular and could knock the spots of plenty of American "stadium" acts. Don't be surprised if that's where they go with this album.
Michael Smith (DRUM MEDIA - Associate Editor) - Drum Media - Michael Smith

5000 unit seller readies Album and Launch for September


Sydney band MASONIA first burst onto the scene in November with their Debut Single “Simple”(MGM) which gained High Rotation on Video Hits and V along with Major Airplay which earnt the track a highest spot of 51 on the ARIA Charts selling over 5000 singles Nationally.



Since this impressive beginning the boys have been writing and recording their debut album while taking time out to test the new songs live with the occasional Sold Out city show at venues such as The Annandale and Marquee attended by their considerable underground following.



Daniel keyboard player of the band calls this keeping a low profile!! “Well we really wanted to just concentrate on the record and get it just how we wanted but the fans kept hassling us to play and would even start rumours that we had a gig coming in like 6 weeks and even calling the venues to check and so on so I guess it was nice to know we could do a show to a full room and try the new tunes out on them but really the idea was just to keep our heads down and write and record”



So far only select media and industry have been serviced with the CD but none other than Glen A Baker contacted the band after the first listen stating “When I first heard this I couldn’t believe they were independent, something really grabbed me and I’ll be helping

wherever I can, I can’t wait to see them live”



Other early activity includes spot plays on Nova 96.9, Adds to ABC Regional, 4CRM, SMA, fast take up on community and more. A video is also underway for lead track “Criminal”.



The band launch the album and debut single Criminal next month at one of Sydney’s premier Rock Rooms The Annandale, guest list contacts below.





Catch MASONIA Thursday September 8 at the Annandale supported by young up and comers Nixin and Moniques Red Lounge



General Enquiries; Media + Guest List

Insomnia Mgt Foghorn Media

Pres Anderson 0417 109283 Marshall Cullen 02 93310666

www.masonia.com.au marshall@damiengerard.net



- Foghorn Media