Open Chapter

New Beginnings & Open Chapters
By: Kenzie Haynes , University Texas, San Antonio
Issue date: 1/16/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment

Media Credit: Photo Courtesy of Open Chapter


A refreshingly genuine love for music and fortunate talent for creating it sums up what Open Chapter basically means: all previous chapters are closed, all eyes are forward and all bets are off-this is the start of something new and unpredictable. This is Open Chapter.

Self-described as a "hard rock, alternative-grunge band," Open Chapter is breaking out on to the Texas music scene. If the experimentation and lofty riffs of Incubus were to get into a head on collision with the haunting vocals and driving bass of Godsmack, Open Chapter would be the bleeding pulp at the center of the carnage.

Based in San Antonio, Open Chapter performed at the Carnival which was held for Welcome Week at Chaparral Village. Their performance was, to say the least, mind-blowing in its stereo-quality sound and energizing set. Regardless of your musical preferences, anyone can appreciate the obvious dedication to perfection and committed talent of Open Chapter (OC).

The intravenous comfort and fluidity coursing through OC's four members is reminiscent of more mature, static bands and shocking when you find out that OC has been together for less than 3 years.

Recently signed to Larissa Records and with an album due out in early '07, the boys of OC seem curiously chill about their movement up the slippery ladder of success (for which most bands lose grips and nose-dive from sight with the blink of an exexcutive eye).

"We bring bits and pieces of ourselves together, our opposite ideas and different perspectives, and go wherever the music takes us," the band members collectively said.

When asked what sets them apart from their contemporaries, the guys had this to say: "We don't wear girl jeans," and after a short exchange of light-hearted laughter, "we don't care about 'the scene;' we do what feels right in the moment and that's how we gel."

After listening to the juicy guitars of "Just a Man" or the heavy, entrancing vocals of "Scream," it's hard to imagine Open Chapter going anywhere but straight to the top.

"We just want to get out and tour and let people experience our music. It's important to let the music speak for itself and to keep the whole process pure and genuine. We think people will respond to that."

Check out Open Chapter's music at their myspace page (myspace.com/openchapter) and treat yourself to what all music should be: energetic, raw and backed by real musicians. These boys wrote the book on live performances.

Unprocessed and capable local bands like Open Chapter make the end of this tiresome rampage of electronically tweaked studio brats seem certain and imminent and it's about time.
- The Paisano- UTSA