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NEU FUTUR MAGAZINE
Tools of Creation – Adventures in Chaos (CD) / 2011 Self / 11 Tracks / http://www.toolsofcreation.com
The heavy bass line that begins “Adventures in Chaos” is reminiscent of Anthrax’s version of “Got The Time”. This properly-energetic
track is the perfect introduction of the band to fans, and represents just one of the many high points that the disc has to offer.
Intense vocals, splashy drums, and driving guitars all unite to create a track that straddles the line between rock and metal. “Bridge
Too Far” switches up Tools of Creation’s influences to incorporate alternative and punk genres, even as the vocals assume a tenor
that will undoubtedly place the band on a number of different rock radio stations.
“Movin’ On” brings listeners to a styling that privileges equal amounts rock and funk, all while the band explores different time
signatures and tempos. What will hit listeners during the whole of “Adventures in Chaos” has to be the band’s spontaneous nature.
Many bands will settle into a specific style of music by the middle point of an album, but Tools of Creation continually innovate and
impress throughout the entirety of this new album. Take, for example, a track like “Crash Course”. Blasting forward with a
tremendous speed and cohesive sound, Tools of Creation will immediately ensnare listeners for the entirety of the cut.
Particularly noticeable during “Crash Course” has to be the vocal harmonies achieved during the chorus along with the instrumental
interplay that immediately precedes them. “Wicked Things I Know” is the penultimate track, and will show listeners that the band’s
dedication and drive does not falter in the album’s twilight. There is a more guttural and visceral feel to “Wicked Things I Know” that
is not paralleled on “Adventures in Chaos”. This is a reward for intrepid fans that stick through the bulk of the disc, and it leads in
well to the album’s final track, “Bullets For Breakfast”. “Bullets For Breakfast” is catchy, hard-hitting, and will stick with listeners well
after the album winds down. If you are a fan of any type of rock, make it a point to pick up “Adventures in Chaos” and see Tools of
Creation whenever they may be coming through your neck of the woods.
Top Tracks: Too Much Isn’t Enough, Movin’ On
Rating: 8.1/10
-James McQuiston
Editor, NeuFutur (print magazine)
Editor, http://www.neufutur.com (e-magazine)
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OTTAWA BASED POWER TRIO
TOOLS OF CREATION
SHARE THEIR EXPLOSIVE ‘ADVENTURES IN CHAOS’
ON A DEBUT BLISTERING WITH THEIR
TRADEMARK BALLS TO THE WALL
ROCK AND ROLL
Anyone who’s ever been in or followed an indie band knows the chaotic whirlwind that happens as the pieces of success slowly come together: the crazy gigs, writing and picking the perfect songs to record, getting funds together, securing studio time and taking time away from work to dedicate to making the dream come true. Instead of lamenting this process, Ottawa based powerhouse rock trio Tools of Creation—who’ve emerged as a regional sensation since launching from the remants of other bands in 2004—chronicle and celebrate it full throttle on their debut album Adventures in Chaos.
TOC’s high octane debut makes no bones about being, as lead vocalist and guitarist Ben Dimaria says, “in your face loud rock that will blow your mind away--balls to the wall rock and roll.” In a time when too many bands prefer to play it safe, Dimaria, bassist Chris Rock (yes, it’s his real name!) and drummer/percussionist Stewart Scharf make their explosive intentions clear from the get go. The rumbling, guitar crunch and groove rich “Too Much Isn’t Enough” is primal energy at its highest peak, blending classic rock/metal and modern rock influences. It’s a defiant shout out to people who call bands like them “too loud,” a heavy, raunchy and spirited musical mission statement that declares, ‘Let’s Party, let’s have fun and have a great time.”
Based in the Ottawa suburb of Manotick, the trio has been doing just that throughout their home province for a long time as they worked through the challenges of creating their long awaited debut project. Keeping a steady flow of gigs throughout the year, they’ve rocked Ottawa venues like Greenfield’s Pub, Barrymore’s Music Hall, Zaphod Beeblebrox (themed after “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy”) and others down in Toronto. They’ve also played The Bayou, Rainbow Bistro, Hanley Hall in Smiths Falls and Kellys Welcome in Manotick. “We love playing live,” Ben says. “The more the crowd freaks out for us, the more we freak out for them!”
TOC’s long term history as friends—Ben and Stew have known each other since age 12—made their musical chemistry almost immediate. As Ben explains, they chose their unique band moniker because “What we use is our instruments and minds. Painters use paintbrushes, mechanics use wrenches, and our tools are guitars, bass, drums and screaming vocals!” Each member brings unique musical sensibilities to the mix. Ben, the band’s primary lyricist, favors Slash, Jimmy Page, Zakk Wilde and Dimebag, who use dark and powerful riffs as well as melodic hooks. He also loves The Doors, The Beatles, Motley Crue, Led Zeppelin and Korn. Chris, who likes everyone from Stevie Ray Vaughan to Zeppelin to Black Sabbath, performed across Ontario with his two of his previous bands Stone Angel and Stillwater. Stewart, who played in the bands Second Wind and Jason’s Lyrx with Ben before their TOC days, is a fan of Sabbath, Deep Purple and Zeppelin; as a drummer, his style is most influenced by Neil Pert, Lars Ulrich, Tommy Lee and Vinny Paul.
While many of the 11 songs on Adventures in Chaos are heartfelt observations about life and the way things are in their own world, TOC also dabbles on occasion in hard hitting social commentary. The provocatively titled “Bullets For Breakfast” was inspired by news reports about young U.S. soldiers waking up at 6 a.m. to AK-47 gunfire outside their tent. “It’s crazy, insane and scary, and we wrote the song from the perspective of a 20 year old in that position,” says Ben. “We do not like the wars, but we very much support the troops.” TOC calls their intense, chugging guitar driven “17” the “newer, heavier version” of The Boomtown Rats’ classic “I Don’t Like Mondays.” It’s about the anger that exists inside teenagers that might prompt them to become violent.
On the more personal side, “Love Is Hate” is a good old fashioned rock tune based on the travails of a good friend whose girlfriend told him she loved him but whose actions ultimately tore him up and destroyed him. While TOC always focuses on uplifting endings, “A Bridge Too Far” has an unabashed “you’ve got a friend” feeling—no matter how far people drift away physically from us, the minute they call, we will be there no matter the cost.
- Rainmaker Media News Release - Boston
www.indiemusicdigest.com
CD REVIEW: Tools of Creation - Adventures in Chaos
By: Cyrus Rhodes
"Rocked out Sound"
- INDIE MUSIC DIGEST -
**********
Artist: Tools of Creation
CD: Adventures in Chaos
Label: Independent Artist
Website: http://www.toolsofcreation.com
Genre: Rock, Hard Rock, Hair Metal
Sounds Like: Dokken, Bon Jovi, April Wine, Tesla
Technical Grade: 7/10
Production/Musicianship Grade: 7/10
Commercial Value: 610
Overall Talent Level: 7/10
Songwriting Skills: 9/10
Performance Skill: 9/10
Best Songs Crossroads, Bridge to Far, 17
Weakness: Dated Sounding Production, Marketability
CD REVIEW:
Canadian 3 piece rock band “Tools of Creation” release their latest CD entitled Adventures in Chaos In 2004. Band members
include lead vocalist & guitarist Ben Dimaria bassist Chris Rock, & drummer/percussionist Stewart Scharf.
The CD kicks off into high gear with “Too Much Isn’t Enough” Truth” a hard hitting, full tilt guitar groove against emotionally
charged vocals, hooky chorus & driving rock rhythm. Track 2 “Bridge to Far” serves up another rocking low end groove, with
hard rocking musical flow coupled with catchy vocal accents from Dimaria. Track 3 “17” keeps things moving in the right
direction with its pulsating rock groove meshed with an infectious vocal melody & harmonies that flow & ebb their way
through emotional fruition. The CD makes a solid first impression dishing out 3 consistent songs in a row. As the CD unfolds
I can hear many musical influences reminiscent of classic hair metal acts like Tesla, Bon Jovi, April Wine, Dokken, & even
brief splashes of Def Leppard & Guns & Roses. Right from the start you will notice Dimaria & company feel quite
comfortable just letting it all hang out musically, not holding anything back, & just being themselves. The overall musical vibe
has a flair reminiscent of classic 80’s Hair Metal & perhaps late nineties grunge that once ruled the airways. The guitar
playing from Dimaria is hot to the touch. Equally as impressive is the rhythm section (Bass/Drums) from Rock & Scharf push
the natural accents extremely well. Dimaria clearly makes the (singer to listener) vocal connection. All songs themselves are
short & sweet musical experiences, each one possessing unique personality, flair, & signature groove. From rocking “Hi
Again” & “Crash Course” to hard hitting “Crossroads” to dynamic *Mind Warp” to swinging “Love is Hate” this CD has
something for just about everyone. The CD ends with “Bullets for Breakfast” the perfect finale statement for a CD of this
caliber.
Though I enjoy the rocked out sound – it’s fair to say the overall production comes across as a bit dated sounding. Perhaps
the mix is a bit dated as well. Drums & overall production lack serious low end punch. It’s a bright sounding CD. If the year
was 1983 this would be a cutting edge musical production no doubt. Unfortunately the year is 2011 & the bar is set really
high for artists like TOC with respect to modern recording & mixing techniques. I am well aware that this is a subjective art
for but lot of the above does affect the productions overall marketability. It just sounds extremely dated to me. TOC should
consider leaving their souls at the door & slightly revamping their sound a bit for the next CD.
From start to finish Adventures in Chaos is one hell of a ride. The strong suit is clearly the overall musical consistency of the
music & playing. This CD will be a joy for guitar enthusiasts out there who enjoy a classic 80’s late 90’s rock vibe. So if you
like your guitar served up hot to the touch, with music that will remind you of an out of control Hair Metal party that once
ruled the neighborhood, then Adventures in Chaos belongs in your hands right now. - Indie Music Digest
Discography
Bridge Too Far
Cross Road
Crash Course
Photos
Bio
T.O.C. (TOOLS OF CREATION) is the culmination of many years of different musicians and friends.
Made into a hard rock trio four years ago, they have survived the rock n roll lifestyle that many others couldn't handle, maintaining an intense attitude and gaining a new passion and style in which to play.
Ben DiMaria - Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar
Ben started playing drums at age four. Over the years he has become a singer, songwriter and guitarist, influenced mainly by hard rock and blues. He had his first taste of the music scene after co-founding his first band, Rude Attitude, at the age of twelve, with his best friend/drummer Stewart Scharf and living by the motto "Too much isn't enough"
Ben favours the likes of Slash, Jimmy Page, Zakk Wilde and Dimebag who use dark and powerful riffs as well as melodic hooks.
Ben's main hobbies are cooking, hockey, fast cards, and rockin out whenever possible.
Stewart Scharf - Drums/Percussion/Vocals - lead and backing
Stewart's first instrument was the trumpet, which he learned and played in a marching band at the age of four. By the age of twelve, he obtained his first drum kit and fell in love with rock n roll. He has been a drummer, vocalist, and songwriter for several bands over the years including; Rude Attitude, Second Wind and Jason's Lyrx. His early band influences include Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin. His drum styling takes after the likes of Neil Pert, Lars Ulrich, Tommy Lee and Vinny Paul. Some of his hobbies include cliff/bridge diving, paintball and Senators hockey. His ultimate goal is to spend his life performing for fans from the stage with all the original Tools of Creation.
Chris Rock - Bass/Backing Vocals
Chris started playing instruments at the age of five. He started with the mandolin and moved on to the guitar at age twelve. At the age of twenty-two, he started to play the bass. At first the guitar was just a hobby and around the age of sixteen, guitar became more than a hobby - a career objective. Chris has played in previous bands such as Stone Angel, Jason's Lyrx, Second Wind and Stillwater. He has recorded in Kingston with Jason's Lyrx and many recordings with Stillwater/S.I.G. Some of Chris's hobbies include; spending time with his two young children, camping, fishing, biking, anything to do with cars and sports, especially Senators hockey.
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