Music
Press
By Rich Kane
Jerry Garcia died 11 years ago this week, and in many ways, we're still profoundly upset. Not over his unfortunate demise per se, but by the sheer number of gawdawful jam bands that have risen up with the subsequent demise of the Grateful Deadbands that have made unwise attempts to not only steal Garcia's signature guitar licks, but to co-opt the Dead audience for themselves. We've got nothing against jam bands, nowsome of our fondest concert memories involve Phish, copious amounts of small square bits of paper and random public nuditybut really, a lot of this stuff just seems like so much sonic wanking.
Which brings us to the Dialectics, a five-man band from somewhere between Chino and Claremont (cheekywe like!), a jam band who actually seem to know what to do with their guitars. They know how to latch on to a proper groove (and hold it); they dip deeply into funk rhythms and don't come off like a bunch of white kids faking it (Bootsy Collins would approve, we're pretty sure); and they have songs that shift around when you least expect them to. Take Burden, a sweaty Chili Peppers-esque workout that switches tempos near the end and transforms into something that sounds lifted from their worn-down copies of Physical Graffiti a sweet move that had us checking to see if a Led Zep tribute band had somehow invaded their MySpace page. Consolation is their ballad, a gentle acoustic/electric mesh that turns into a start that turns into a spacey noggin-nodder and concludes with some fine instrument noodling.
We thought Cops Can't Stop the . . . might be their big protest tune, but in the end we couldn't understand what their singer was hollering about (that's what the LYRICS option on MySpace is for, guys). Good band, still, one that should easily land a spot at the Bonnaroo fest one of these years.
THE DIALECTICS PERFORM AT ANGELS ROADHOUSE, 32464 DUNLAP BLVD., YUCAIPA, (909) 795-0665; WWW.ANGELSROADHOUSE.ORG. THURS., AUG. 17, 9 P.M. CALL FOR COVER.
Attention, Riverside/San Bernardino County bands and musicians (you too, Claremont, La Verne and Pomona)! Mail your CDs and tapes (along with your vital contact info, plus any impending performance dates) for possible review to: Band of the Week, IE Weekly, 2175 Sampson Ave., Ste. 118, Corona, CA 92879. Or be lazy and e-mail us your MySpace page link to rkane@ieweekly.com.
- IE Weekly
By George A. Paul, Staff Writer
U-Entertainment
Article Launched:01/27/2007 07:39:35 PM PST
Claremont funk-rock band The Dialectics and Temecula progressive rocker Souljourners each took home two awards at the third annual Inland Empire Music Awards, held Friday night at Key Club Morongo.
Photo Gallery: Inland Empire Music Award show
The Dialectics won Best Rock and Best Song for "Consolation," while Souljourners won Best Classic Rock and tied for Best Live Band.
There were 10 performances and 20 awards handed out over the course of the evening. Local radio/Internet personalities Funk and Cisco served as emcees.
Dialectics guitarist John-Paul Trotter said he thought the IEMAs were "a good way to rally support of the live music scene and for (musicians) to have an outlet to get recognition."
As for nabbing Best Song over the highly-touted Conspiracy of Thought and Casket Salesmen, Trotter said, "honestly, I was very surprised since we sent demos that were recorded two years ago. I thought we'd just drive out to Cabazon, have a good time and watch (Friday night tribute band) Metal Skool. It was very sweet."
The colorful Conspiracy of Thought Funk and Cisco noted the band's hair stylists should get an award, too was definitely a menacing presence on stage.
Drummer Tony Vazquez said, "It feels awesome," after the Riverside band got the Best Hard Rock Award. "We just wanted to play, but winning is very special." He said the IEMAs are "great because it brings together all styles of music" and shows off Inland Empire talent. Conspiracy of Thought won Best Live Band in 2006. Antonio Pontarelli, Tim Moyer and Souljourners were also repeat winners from last year.
Violinist Pontarelli opened the proceedings. The 16-year-old Temecula resident sang and played intense alt-rock tune "The Void" to a rhythm track, but had to leave the club afterward due to SAT testing the following morning.
Souljourners recalled early Rush, especially with lead vocalist/guitarist Michael Couts' speedy fretwork. Pamela G. proved her mettle as a soulful belter and had many people cheering on a tune about not "messing with mama." Murrieta singer/songwriter Tim Moyer's solo acoustic guitar turn was passionate in a Shawn Mullins vein.
Singer/percussionist Christopher Pendergrass of Hemet heavy rock group Wayside Loop, which tied in the Best Live Band category, said "this is a vindication for all our hard work. We're friends with all these bands. It was a good time all around."
2007 INLAND EMPIRE MUSIC AWARD WINNERS
Best Alternative: Waiting for Decay
Best Blues: Pamela G.
Best Classic Rock: Souljourners
Best Electronic: Robbie Reverb
Best Female: Bree Noble
Best Folk: Curt Phillips
Best Hard Rock: Conspiracy of Thought
Best High School Artist: 15 North
Best Indie Rock: Casket Salesmen
Best Instrumental: Evren Ozan
Best International: Anthill (Canada)
Best Jazz: Groove Session
Best Live Band: Wayside Loop and Souljourners (tied)
Best Male: Antonio Pontarelli
Best Metal: Chaos Device
Best Out of Area: Stacy Clark (O.C.)
Best Pop/Rock: Tim Moyer
Best Rock: The Dialectics
Best Song: The Dialectics, Consolation
Best Urban: Stico & Da Bandit
- U-Entertainment
Discography
Debut Album: "Alchemy" (2007)
Photos
Bio
A high-energy rock band that has created a unique sound all their own!
Extraordinary stage presence, grooving beats, and music guaranteed to get the feet moving
What happened to the days when it was all about the music? The days when you went to a live show and were blown away? Have they left us never to return? Rest assured, those days are here again, thanks to The Dialectics. With powerful vocals, dueling guitars, heart pounding bass, and booming drums, The Dialectics will rock your world.
The Dialectics, a 5 piece, groove-oriented original Rock Group from the Chino Hills area is pure, no-nonsense rock n roll just raw talent and energy. There sound is completely original with no comparisons on the music scene today. They write solid tunes and theres something for everyone!
This band has a very cool classic rock/funk/blues-type vibe with influences from The Beatles, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Led Zeppelin, Queen, The Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Black Crowes, and other greats.
All members of this group have years of live performance and recording experience, both collectively and individually. Recently, the band has performed at The Whisky, On the Rox, The Viper Room, The Gig, and The Derby.
The Dialectics are Nolan Yard, 20, on vocals, Sean Fernandez, 24, and John Paul Trotter, 24, on guitars, Nick Maury, 18, on bass, and Victor Pintado, 26, on drums. John Paul, Sean and Victor are all music teachers, and believe in sharing what they have learned through the years. John Paul is a Cal Poly Pomona Alumni with a degree in Music Performance and Nolan and Sean are both music majors currently enrolled in college.
The Dialectics are in their prime and ready to bring back classic songwriting and exhilarating live shows. On stage they highlight songwriting from their debut album Alchemy. The focus of this band is to make great memorable music and connect with their fans.
- 2007 Inland Empire Music Awards Best Rock Band and Best Song for Consolation
- Winner of the 2006 Los Angeles County Fairs Battle of the Bands
Accomplishments include:
Nolan YardChild actor with performances on Baywatch, VIP, Family Matters, The Music Man, Gepetto, and numerous television commercials; former lead vocalist of Prizm, Best High School Band in the 2004 Orange County Music Awards.
Michael Sean Fernandez Guitar Instructor for five years. 2nd Degree Black Belt in Karate and years of mixed martial arts training.
JohnPaul TrotterB.A. in Music Performance with an emphasis in classical guitar. Jazz Quartet player and guitar instructor for eight years.
Victor PintadoDrum instructor for eight years and played in numerous bands.
Nick MauryBass player since birth. Recently earned his Drivers License at age 18.
Quotes from published articles:
Rich Kane, Staff Writer, Inland Empire Weekly
A jam band who actually seem to know what to do with their guitars. They know how to latch on to a proper groove (and hold it); they dip deeply into funk rhythms and dont come off like a bunch of white kids faking it (Bootsy Collins would approve, were pretty sure); and they have songs that shift around when you least expect them to.
George A. Paul, U-Entertainment Staff Writer, Inland Empire Music Awards Write Up
The Dialectics won Best Rock and Best Song for Consolation
nabbing Best Song over the highly-touted Conspiracy of Thought and Casket Salesmen.
Jennifer Caddick, Cal State Fullerton Newspaper Editor, Daily Titan Buzz
The Dialectics play music with a laid-back honesty that resonates a calm complacency in their sound. That mixed with their playfully, sophisticated banter immediately proves this San Bernadino based band knows their way around a stage.
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