The Funeral Portrait

Filter: A Rock Band Defined by Turmoil and Resilience

Filter, the American rock band hailing from Cleveland, Ohio, emerged from the ashes of Nine Inch Nails in 1993. Fronted by the enigmatic Richard Patrick, who'd previously served as NIN's touring guitarist, Filter burst onto the scene with a sound that was both melodically catchy and sonically abrasive.

Their 1995 debut, Short Bus, propelled them into the mainstream, achieving platinum status and fueled by the hit single "Hey Man, Nice Shot." While the album's success brought them wider recognition, it also marked the beginning of a tumultuous journey characterized by numerous lineup changes. Patrick, the sole constant member across their entire discography, found himself constantly rebuilding the band around him.

Following the departure of founding guitarist and programmer Brian Liesegang in 1997, Patrick recruited members from the Short Bus touring lineup, solidifying a new core. This lineup would bring forth their second album, Title of Record (1999), which replicated the success of their debut with the hit single "Take a Picture."

The band's third album, The Amalgamut (2002), arrived amidst a dark cloud. Patrick's struggles with alcohol and drug addiction escalated, leading him into rehab just as the album's tour commenced. This tumultuous period led to a hiatus for Filter as Patrick focused on his recovery and formed a new band, Army of Anyone.

After Army of Anyone's own hiatus, Patrick returned to Filter, releasing a string of albums – Anthems for the Damned (2008), The Trouble with Angels (2010), and The Sun Comes Out Tonight (2013) – each featuring a revolving cast of musicians.

The band continued their journey with a seventh studio album, Crazy Eyes (2016), recorded with yet another entirely new lineup. In 2018, a surprise reunion occurred when Brian Liesegang returned to the fold, collaborating with Patrick on a new album, reBus, intended to be a musical sequel to Short Bus. However, due to the bankruptcy of PledgeMusic, reBus was shelved.

Despite these setbacks, Patrick persevered, releasing The Algorithm in August 2023, demonstrating Filter's enduring spirit and Patrick's relentless pursuit of musical expression.

Filter's journey has been marked by instability, but their enduring presence in the rock landscape is a testament to the power of their music and Patrick's dedication to his craft.

The Script: A Rock Band Story

The Script, hailing from Dublin, Ireland, burst onto the scene in 2001. This Irish rock quartet has consistently delivered catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics that have captured the hearts of fans worldwide.

The current lineup features Danny O'Donoghue (lead vocals, guitar, piano, and keyboards), Glen Power (drums, percussion, and backing vocals), Benjamin Sargent (bass and backing vocals), and Ben Weaver (guitar). Sadly, the band lost a cherished member, Mark Sheehan (guitar and vocals), in 2023.

After signing with Phonogenic, a Sony Label Group imprint, The Script relocated to London. Their debut album, aptly titled The Script, dropped in August 2008, propelled by the powerful single "We Cry." Hits like "The Man Who Can't Be Moved," "Breakeven," and "Before the Worst" followed, cementing their place in the music world. The album stormed the charts, reaching number one in both Ireland and the UK.

The Script's success continued with their next three albums: Science & Faith (2010), #3 (2012), and No Sound Without Silence (2014). All three topped the charts in their native Ireland and the UK, while Science & Faith also soared to number two in Australia and number three in the United States. These albums spawned further chart-topping singles like "For the First Time," "Nothing," "Hall of Fame," and "Superheroes."

Their fifth studio album, Freedom Child, hit the shelves in September 2017, featuring the UK Top 20 single "Rain." Sunsets & Full Moons, their sixth studio album, arrived in November 2019, with the single "The Last Time" leading the charge. In October 2021, The Script celebrated their achievements with a Greatest Hits album.

The Script's music has permeated popular culture, finding its way into television shows like 90210, Ghost Whisperer, The Hills, Waterloo Road, EastEnders, Made in Chelsea, and The Vampire Diaries. The band's ability to connect with audiences through their emotive songs and dynamic performances has solidified their status as a force to be reckoned with in the world of rock music.

Tizzy Bac, also known as Tieh Chih Bei Ke (鐵之貝克) in Chinese, is an independent Taiwanese band formed in 1999. The band consists of three members: Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Lin Chien-Yuan (drummer). They are primarily active in northern Taiwan, performing at various venues in Taipei City. Their bassist, Hsu Che-Yu, passed away on January 23, 2018 due to cancer.

== Band Introduction ==

Tizzy Bac was originally formed in December 1999 by Chen Hui-Ting (vocalist and keyboardist), Hsu Che-Yu (bassist), and Cheng Kai-Tong (drummer). The songwriting for the band is mainly handled by the vocalist, Hui-Ting, with lyrics focused on exploring the challenges and predicaments of modern life and love. As a result, they self-identify as a "grumbling" band. Due to the themes of their lyrics, Tizzy Bac's music tends to resonate with audiences who have a richer life experience, leading some to categorize their music as "Adult Alternative."

In 2002, drummer Cheng Kai-Tong left the band to join the Mint Leaf Band, also serving as the drummer for Zhang Xuan & Algae. In 2003, drummer Lin Chien-Yuan joined Tizzy Bac.

Tizzy Bac, however, does not have a guitarist, a common feature in most bands. They use a keyboard (primarily a piano sound) as the main melody instrument, creating a unique "piano rock" style, earning them the title of "Taiwan's Ben Folds Five." The distortion sound that is prevalent in Tizzy Bac's music comes from the bass through effects pedals, not from a guitar.

Brutus: A Belgian Rock Trio That Punches Above Its Weight

Hailing from Leuven, Belgium, Brutus is a force to be reckoned with in the rock scene. Formed in 2013, the trio is comprised of vocalist and drummer Stefanie Mannaerts, guitarist Stijn Vanhoegaerden, and bassist Peter Mulders. Each member brings a wealth of experience from previous local bands, giving Brutus a solid foundation for their unique sound.

The band first made waves in Belgium, regularly playing gigs before gaining international recognition with their debut album "Burst" in 2017. This release, which caught the attention of the renowned record label Sargent House, solidified Brutus's position as a force to be reckoned with. They followed "Burst" with two more critically acclaimed albums, "Nest" in 2019 and "Unison Life" in 2022, further solidifying their place in the international rock world.

From Local Bands to International Success

The seeds of Brutus were sown in the vibrant music scene of Leuven. Mannaerts and Mulders had previously played together in Refused Party Program, a tribute band dedicated to the Swedish hardcore punk pioneers Refused. Meanwhile, Mannaerts and Vanhoegaerden were bandmates in Starfucker, showcasing their musical chemistry long before Brutus's formation.

Their rise to prominence was fueled by their energetic live performances. In 2014 and 2015, they graced the stages of prestigious Belgian festivals like Pukkelpop, Rock Herk, and Dour Festival. In the same year, they released a trilogy of two-song EPs, further building anticipation for their full-length debut.

Vancouver, Sargent House, and a Sound Defined by Intensity

In 2016, the band embarked on a journey to Vancouver, Canada, to record "Burst." They collaborated with renowned producer Jesse Gander (known for his work with Japandroids and White Lung), resulting in a raw, energetic album that solidified their sound. This collaboration also marked their signing with Sargent House, a label known for its commitment to artists pushing boundaries.

Brutus's music is characterized by its raw intensity, blending elements of post-hardcore, grunge, and noise rock. Stefanie Mannaerts' powerful vocals and pummeling drumming, combined with Stijn Vanhoegaerden's heavy riffs and Peter Mulders' solid basslines, create a captivating sonic experience that leaves audiences breathless.

With their relentless touring, critically acclaimed albums, and a dedicated fanbase, Brutus continues to be a vital force in the rock scene, defying expectations and proving that Belgium is a fertile ground for incredible music.

The Sex Pistols: A Punk Revolution

The Sex Pistols, formed in the grimy underbelly of London in 1975, were more than just a band – they were a cultural earthquake. Their blistering, two-and-a-half-year existence ignited the punk movement in the UK, leaving an indelible mark on music history.

Their initial lineup, a raw and rebellious quartet, featured the snarling vocals of Johnny Rotten (John Lydon), the razor-sharp guitar of Steve Jones, the relentless rhythm of drummer Paul Cook, and the melodic bass lines of Glen Matlock. The latter was replaced by the infamous Sid Vicious (John Richie) in 1977, adding an element of chaos that became synonymous with the band.

Under the guidance of the enigmatic Malcolm McLaren, the Pistols embraced controversy. Their infamous TV interview, riddled with obscenities, shocked the nation, catapulting them into the spotlight. Their anthem, "God Save the Queen," released during the Queen's Silver Jubilee, was a scathing critique of the monarchy, branded "fascist" by the band. The song's immediate ban by the BBC and nearly every radio station in Britain cemented its place as the most censored record in UK history.

Their debut album, Never Mind the Bollocks, Here's the Sex Pistols, released in 1977, reached the top of the UK charts, solidifying their status as punk rock pioneers. The album's raw energy and defiant lyrics became a soundtrack for a generation disillusioned with the establishment.

Despite their meteoric rise, the band's internal tensions simmered. In January 1978, at the end of a tumultuous US tour, Rotten famously declared the band's demise on stage. The remaining members continued to record for McLaren's film, The Great Rock 'n' Roll Swindle, documenting their tumultuous journey.

The Sex Pistols' impact goes beyond their music. Their ripped clothes, safety pin jewelry, and mohawks became iconic symbols of the punk aesthetic, inspiring countless artists and shaping a generation's look and attitude. Their rebellious spirit and confrontational style continue to resonate today, proving the Sex Pistols' enduring legacy as the architects of a punk revolution.

A House of Troubles: Mechanical Canine's "To My Chagrin"

James Walsh's new home is a metaphor for his life, a crumbling edifice mirroring the anxieties and doubts that plague him. The house, like his inner world, is riddled with problems. A neglected foundation, a failing retaining wall, and a persistent leak causing ceiling damage symbolize the challenges he faces. And then there are the rats, unexpected and unwelcome intruders that further add to the chaos.

This tumultuous state of affairs is reflected in Mechanical Canine's third album, "To My Chagrin," a sonic exploration of Walsh's internal landscape. Following the indie-punk of "Good Photography" and the raw energy of "Walls Covered In Mildew," "To My Chagrin" marks a further refinement of their sound.

The album explodes with a flurry of 13 tracks crammed into a mere 23 minutes. Short, incisive bursts of thought, lasting only 30 seconds, jostle with full-blown punk anthems that pack multiple ideas into their two-minute frameworks. Expect unexpected turns, jarring shifts, and a complete lack of predictability.

This wild sonic journey mirrors Walsh's chaotic inner state. In the lead single, "Mechanical Canine Saves Emo," he confesses, "Reality sank my realized dreams / And it could sink me / I’m barely treading." This raw vulnerability echoes throughout the album, showcasing the struggles of a chronic overthinker wrestling with self-doubt and defeat.

Even Walsh's attempts at self-encouragement ring with a dose of cynicism, tinged with a lack of faith in the very affirmations he's trying to embrace.

The album concludes with the five-minute "Watercourse," where Walsh returns to his house analogy, proclaiming, "We live with these walls, and I love what’s between them." But after a barrage of anxieties and struggles, it's hard to take this declaration at face value. Walsh is clinging to hope, desperately trying to pull himself out of the mire, but his conviction remains questionable.

Mechanical Canine's "To My Chagrin" showcases their distinctive sonic identity, a blend of frenetic energy, explorative experimentation, and a healthy dose of quirky punk. Through these chaotic soundscapes, they expose the darkest corners of Walsh's mind, revealing a raw, sometimes unsettling portrait of his inner demons. It's a glimpse into a tumultuous world, where even the rats are unwelcome reminders of the struggle for self-redemption.