Scourge – ‘Clarity’
Music rep. Bob Gould races into the reception room of publishing mogul Art Stemple, where he’s met by Jennifer Smith (Art’s secretary).
“Jennifer I need to speak with Art, It’s very important.”
“Just a moment Bob, he’s finishing up with Lois Jones from advertising.”
Jennifer walks over to the office door and opens it just as the faint sounds of a trouser’s zipper and belt buckle closing can be heard.
“Um Lois…., Jennifer is here. Yes. Well, I believe our meeting was very productive. Let’s follow up tomorrow.”
“Yes, Mr. Stemple”. Lois walks out of the office.
“What is it Jennifer?”
“Mr. Gould is here to see you. He says it’s urgent.”
“OK send him in.”
Jennifer tells Bob to go into Art’s office. She then closes the door.
“Hello Bob what can I do for you?”
“Art, I’ve just come across an amazing band that you just have to sign.”
“Now slow down Bob and take a breath. Tell me about this band”
Bob opens his briefcase and pulls out a music CD entitle ‘Clarity’.
“The band is called Scourge and they’re a three piece metal group from Boston MA.”
“Bob, you know we don’t sign metal bands anymore. Do we know these guys?”
“Well, no, but they’re an awesome band.They have Jeremy Pastrick on guitar and vocals, Jon Huntley on bass and vocals, and Nate MacMillen on drums.”
“OK, so what do they sound like?”
“Well, they play a brutal mix of complex melodies, contrasting harmonies and old school thrash riffs. Their sound is incredibly powerful for a trio. The two vocalists trade-off between black and death growlings, the guitar plays exciting riffs and the drums are frantic. Perhaps you would get a clearer picture if we listen to their CD.”
Bob hands the CD entitled ‘Clarity’ to Art. Art puts it into his player.
“Any particular track we should listen to?”
“Start with track 2 called ‘I Will Burn’. It’s an up beat tune containing nice dueling vocals and cool guitar riffs.”
Art hits track 2 and presses play….
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/02-I Will Burn.mp3|titles=I Will Burn]“Well now, that was certainly a kick in the pants. I see what you mean. Let’s listen to another one.”
“OK, try track 3 called ‘To The Gallows’. It combines interesting timing changes with devilishly crazed vocalizations. And a cool guitar solo towards the end.”
Art hits track 3 and presses play….
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/03-To The Gallows.mp3|titles=To The Gallows]“Wow Bob, that’s very powerful stuff. I like it. They’re really exciting me. Let me get Dave Burns from accounting in here to check them out. If he likes them, they’re in” Art calls Jennifer into his office and tells her to find Dave Burns.
“While we’re waiting let’s listen to another track. Do you have a long one?”
“Play track 6 called ‘Crowned’, it’s my favorite.”
Art hits track 6 and presses play….
[audio:https://www.thrashnbang.com/wp-content/music/06-Crowned.mp3|titles=Crowned]Shortly, Dave Burns enters Art’s reception area and greets Jennifer.
“Hi Jennifer how’s it going. Art wanted to see me?”
“Hi Dave, you can go right in. He’s in with Bob Gould, but would like you to join them.”
Dave walks over to the office door and opens it just as the faint sounds of a trouser’s zippers and belt buckles opening can be heard…
Only God (and maybe Jennifer) has a clue of what goes on behind the doors of our ailing music industry, meanwhile the best local music of our time carries on …
(Andy Bang)
