Plusminus X

Welcome back gang to another week here in the Rock Shop. As I type this week's column, I am listening through my headphones to a killer track from Plusminus X, a hot, relatively new rock act hailing from Windsor Ontario. The track is called "Chances" and is just one of 4 featured on their Myspace site at http://www.myspace.com/plusminus and from their album entitled "State of Mind".

Plusminus X is a group of five musicians (Justin Forsyth on vocals), (Jim O'Neil on lead and acoustic guitars and vocals), (Peter Bak on rhythm guitars and vocals), (Martin Bak on drums) and (Patrick Bak on bass). As I mentioned the group is relatively new to the scene, only being together since early 2005, but they are quickly creating a name for themselves. Their Online presence is gaining momentum and quite honestly, I feel that their sound is rather fresh and a welcomed one at that too. I found it rather difficult to say just who they sounded like, and that can be a good thing for a band. On their Myspace page, fans have commented that they sound similar to Three Days Grace and possibly Breaking Benjamin. I think they may be a fair comparison, but the band still has enough uniqueness to set them apart.

I get requested to review bands often here at the Rock Shop, and trust me, that's what I signed up for when this job was presented to me, so it's fun to say the least talking about music each and every week. What makes this job the ultimate in fun is when I am presented with a band's material that sticks out. Plusminus X unquestionably sticks out. Last night (Sunday Sept 17) I caught Plusminus X for the first time as they performed as guests in Flatlined's CD Release party, here in town at Twister's Nightclub. After seeing their set, I instantly determined that they were the best independent rock act that has come through that club, or this town for that matter, ever. It may be a bold statement, but I'm prepared to back that up. Plusminus was the 2nd act of the night on the bill, and when they took stage, you felt as if the roof was lifted and an arena sized professional sound system was dropped in place. The only thing missing was the pyro, but with Plusminus's energy, it would have put any band with smoke, fire and flash pots to shame.

Something that caught my attention right away, as I have been known to sneak and snoop to see what tricks and toys other bands have, is that Justin (lead vocalist) was controlling all of his own vocal effects processing from on stage. The lead vocals were absolutely amazing, and his creative control of effects, raised the bar for acts to try and follow. Trust me, I made some notes on that one, to bring to my own band. I mentioned to Justin that I noticed right away without even seeing his stage setup, that he was controlling his own vocal effects. I think he was pleased that I was paying close enough attention to his performance.

My honest thoughts on Plusminus X is that I feel we will have a group to watch for in the months or years to come. Obviously a bit of time and growing as a band is needed, being that they have only been together for under 2 years, but stranger things have happened than a band being signed with a lifespan of less than 2 years. I think if they work hard on their product and hone their craft, they have just as much a chance as any other act out there to compete in the big leagues.

I only wish I had their CD here to listen to, as quite frankly I have possibly the worst internet connection known to man kind, and I can honestly type 3 full sentences at least, between the pauses and buffering of their streaming audio. That's my fault, not theirs, however it's frustrating none the less. I like the music, and it honestly makes me want to hear more. Maybe they'll send me a Cd.. (hint hint..) I can for sure say that it will be a prized welcome addition to my Indie collection here at home with other great acts like Monday's Child and Nerve just to name a couple that are spun here in the old carousel player. {update: as of writing this article, I was able to snag a copy of their CD last night, and yes, I am now listening to killer production of their full length CD as I continue to update this column today}

I have also had the chance to interview Plusminus X and have brought this interview to you this week. I think it will give you some good insight into the band and where they are and are headed.

This past Sunday, Plusiminus X stopped by here in Chatham to perform in Flatlined's CD Release Party. - Eric Broadbent for the CK Times

By: JoeyTheWiseguy
Photos: Alishia Fox

In the somewhat cavernous, but newly renovated Roxy Entertainment Complex, (formerly ‘O’ night club) we’ve discovered Windsor’s answer to Detroit’s Harpo’s. A deep space with plenty of liquor, not to mention stereo wattage to spare. Clearly, I chose a special night for my first visit; for tonight, Justin Forsythe, Jim O’Neil, and the Bak brothers, Peter, Martin, and Patrick are gracing the stage as PlusMinusX.

Synthetic smoke radiates, and slowly curls around me, though I’m far too anxious to let it fall in place, and rest. As I sip my Gin and Tonic, I notice just how vast the space really is. The concert-sized stage overlooks stack upon stack of speaker and subwoofer alike, interlaced carefully at the head of a giant, “St. Andrew’s-esque” floor moshing section. I need to turn all the way around to see, (far off in the distance) an oversized soundboard on a platform just ahead of the second-tier accommodations. Up about five stairs, another level awaits, teeming with even MORE liquor, a variety of pool tables, and comfortable seating for MANY; seating that was, up until this point full. But, as Josh Bloom, representative from MYSPACE.com, initiated the first few speaker-pops, the upper-deck gashed open, spilling hordes of impatient fanatics and well over-stuffed PLUSMINUSX tee-shirts. No warning could ever have prepared ANY of us for the heart-heavy rock, charging full-speed ahead, conducting not only electricity, but an almost extra-polar force of ‘female-netic’ properties. We swayed, then we jumped – I thrashed and banged, gnashed, then crashed; smiling along with the others all the while.

Immediately, I reached for some description...unfortunately, in the case of PlusMinusX, I seem to be lacking confidence in the strength and effectiveness of my limited vocabulary. Next, I survey the wasteland of my mind searching for a valid comparison...but they’re just too good. As the speakers pulsed with emotional thunder, so did the floor beneath me. I too, fell victim to the blood-quaking energy bouncing chaotically, eardrum-to-eardrum. I thought about the first time that I heard “Life is Peachy”, just before Davis started whining like a stuck animal…a crazy beat that kind of twisted my insides a bit; then, instead of the unwelcome crying of the predictable emo, Justin began to serenade the frightened listeners. He somehow shields the audience from the frightening and menacing rhythm, orchestrated with both intensity, and great care.

From the group: a solid and subsequently loving performance. Not a note or beat was skipped, and each one was played with careful, thoughtful precision, and soulful pre and post-meditation. O’Neil led, then followed; comfortably close next to Justin with quick and accurate shots at all of the ‘just in time’ back-up vocal cues. With great patience, he led the melody with searing-hot guitar riffs, and a surround-sounding voice. Peter perfectly complimented the lead with chunky and fulfilling rhythm; truly, a force to be reckoned with on stage. Bass pounded along with the kick-kick of the drum kit, as Patrick leapt across vast tenor ranges, to supply a hefty and ground-breaking low-end to each incredible song. Last, but certainly, NEVER the least…the young Martin shattered time and space with expert meter and originality, not only taking part, but taking over the majority of the catchiest pulls of the groups many veracious songs. Justin seemed to split through the herd of sounds and colours at the just the right moments and places, not only showing leadership, but an intimate sort of calm-complacency; A willingness to balance the bigger picture as part of a winning team, rather than playing the role of the traditionally self-important front-man.

A stimulating spectacle that left me sweaty – a victory for not only the group, but the Roxy Entertainment complex, and Windsor itself. Out of six million bands, PlusMinusX stands out as one of the few, the proud, featured artists on MYSPACE.com. Obviously, an incredible feat, but still only one of many. The Bak brothers can also be accredited with the successful operation of one of the city’s most prestigious recording and mastering studios, SLR studios. Prominent Windsor acts are whizzing through the doors, lining up for some quality studio time. Already included in the SLR family, to name a few, are: Nocturnal, INNOKE ERATI (check next month for a full feature), and the soon to break out: One Man’s Opinion. Many more are already working on upcoming releases, and judging by the output quality of the Bak brother’s work, many more are still to come.

Though I was forced to run in and out of the show at certain points, I was thoroughly impressed, and felt more than welcome at each return. It would be a tragedy to miss this band. At the very least, I feel it’s my obligation to get everyone to take a long look at their online offerings at www.plusminusx.c - Upfront Magazine - JoeytheWiseGuy