When you think of rock music, what instruments come to mind? Electric guitar, bass, drums... and keys? Or is that just my personal list? I fully support the adoption of pianos in rock. Though keyboards have been incorporated in the past with bands like Meatloaf, Fleetwood Mac and Queen, I have to say I'm a big fan of the recent resurgence. There's just something about the way keys fit into rock music... it makes it epic! It can also lend a soft side to a traditionally heavy genre.
I find that there's a certain emotionality attached to pianos. Be it an electric keyboard with a flashy player, or the traditional full set up with a bench, it just comes with a level of soul. If you don't know what I'm talking about, watch someone play in a live setting and you'll soon see for yourselves.
I'll never forget seeing one of my favourite piano based rock groups, Something Corporate, play when I was about 15. Watching Andrew McMahon control that stage... jumping on his own personally painted stand up piano... it was pure, raw passion. When I had the opportunity to watch his new band, Jack's Mannequin, play from side stage at the Vans Warped Tour a couple years ago, it was the same awe inspiring feeling as the first time. Trust me, its difficult to compare their level of emotion and musicality to that of any other performer.
So if you're into piano/keyboard rock, here are a few bands you should check out!
Jacks Mannequin ( a band I will talk about A LOT)
The AKAs (keyboard and synth)
No longer is piano something you do as a child... bring it on! I'd much rather meet a guy who plays the piano and not the guitar. Girls- how much would you love one of these guys to play for you? I know I'm not alone here. I wish I never gave it up... too bad for me! Guess I could always pick it up again but it could be tricky to find the time these days. Its just the kind of instrument you cant play without some level of passion. Its always moving, and always beautiful. Enjoy!
Rock On!
- Girl At The Rock Show
Those are some good recommendations. I definitely would agree that piano/keyboard adds a lot to rock music. You should check out the group Blackfield. They've got a lot of great piano parts in their music. I just did a blog post about them so check it out
ReplyDeleteDefinitely love the keyboard and piano coming back! There is actually a very sweet band coming next Thursday that I really like. Lemonwilde is their name, from LA. The show is at EVAC, 8pm. Check them out! www.myspace.com/lemonwilde Really like Danse and Inspired Painter.
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