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Indie
Rock Show Review Brace yourself for the next big wave in alternative hard rock. Crownd will blow you away with their latest independent EP release “Lost & Found”. Although this release is a short 3 song listen, each song is power packed like a machine gun and will be considered a must have from this up & coming band who is set to open for MCA recording artists “Pillar” on their San Juan, Puerto Rico show in July 2003. Crownd will soon be releasing a full length CD through the indie label Level 6 Records since taking first place last month in the New Artist Search in Nashville, TN. I’ve witnessed these Jersey boys live and they can rock like no other Christian band I’ve heard yet. They’re as tight live as on the CD but with even more energy. If you’re a true P.O.D. or Linkin Park fan like me, you’ll appreciate this new blend with even more edge and power behind the punch. Get your pretty little hands on this EP release if you’re a collector – these guys are on the bus to the big time. I had the privilege to hang with the band in Nashville during GMA week last month and got to know the heart behind the music. Crownd spent at least a year rehearsing before doing any live shows and it shows in their performance and the excellence in their music. Lead singer & songwriter Alfred Batista is one of the coolest guys with a humble heart you’ll ever meet and his vocal performance commands the stage. Along with veteran members David Diaz (Guitars) and Ariel Munoz (Drums), joining the live performance that got them the record deal they were looking for was bass guitarist Christopher Liebel who filled in for the former bassist Albert Denis on less than a week’s notice. But this newest addition to the band was key in taking the boys to the winning slot to land the deal that almost never happened. God works like that! And Crownd is living proof of just how God works in the most dire circumstances. But since then, joining the band from hereon out is bassist Matt Mason. With the great turnout of songs this far, “Lost & Found” offers 3 very strong contenders for radio singles. “Fall Down” is a driving mix of P.O.D. and Papa Roach with a slight hint of Limp Bizkit – unlike Fred Durst, Alfred sings on key! A very catchy and powerful chorus with a banging guitar riff by guitarist David Diaz keeps up with the current trends of mixing rock & rap but with true originality. “No Quiero Volver” which is Spanish for “no turning back” shows incredible guitar arrangement and the pacing of this song is so well put together – as with all the songs. And although Crownd keeps getting invited to play for secular audiences, their lyrics are not compromised in any way. This song talks about leaving the old life behind and not wanting “to be in agony again”. A powerful message with intense musicality that the world needs to hear. “Lead Me” completes the trio of songs with a little slower tempo but lacking no power. With blatant Christian lyrics “Will He find me, will He lead me and take me to a place I long to go…Will He find me, will He free me from all I ever know…” , this song poses the questions all experience at one time or another about God and His existence. A hooky chorus then pumps into full thrash rock mode with traces of P.O.D. and Linkin Park hyped up a notch.
There are a lot of great bands out there, but when you’re good, you stand out – something Crownd does very well. There are no traces of independent stature in this recording. When you’re first-rate you don’t’ need fancy recording or marketing budgets. True talent shines through circumstances – something we need more of. I look forward to hearing more great music on the new release, till then, we’ll rock on with the three power punches of “Lost & Found”, and those of us who were wise enough to get a copy of this gem will be the lucky ones. Visit Crownd at: www.crownd.net
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