July 15, 2009

OK. No more. Enough. If you are in a band that consists of talented people, eager to pump their time and efforts into a fruitful, successful existence, then find a good vocalist. Not your mate who’s like funny ‘n shit and screams real loud, and not your bassist ‘cos, like, no one else wanted to do the singing.

I’m over listening to new music that boasts solid potential, and possesses all the qualities of a great band, only to hear their vocals kick in and crap all over the party. I understand that the genre lends itself to minimal talent- that was the basis of it’s appeal when it all began- and I think to that end hardcore should be excluded, but when it comes to singing, you need to train your voice. At the very least aim to make it into a compliant instrument and give it some edge.

There are so many terrible vocalists in punk rock at the moment, all tone deaf and with limited range, pushing their band into very tidy pigeonholes with a billion of their peers. People wouldn’t endure average guitarist who stumbles awkwardly through their chords so why do they tolerate vocalists who are just as incompetent with their voices?

The vocalist is FRONTing your band, people, they are the epicentre of your ensemble. Don’t tolerate mediocrity! End rant.