FFWD Weekly
Copyright © 1997. All Rights Reserved.
Befriend the machine, don't rage against it
Electronic act hopes to continue their Canadian success storyMozart's Rage CD release party
at Dooie Stevens
Friday, March 21Sitting in the home / studio of Calgary's Mozart's Rage, I thought to myself, "These guys just don't fit the bill as far as dance music's absolutely fabulous pseudo-gods are concerned." Quite honestly, I showed up expecting superficial, Electric Circus-ish freaks. What I got was three great guys who are completely dedicated to their music.
Mozart's Rage has been around since 1993, when they released their first EP, Re-composed. In 1994, the group appeared on BMG's platinum-selling Club Cutz 5. Shortly following their initial success, relations with their record label broke down and they decided to do their next recording entirely on their own.
Despite the fact it's been four years since their last album, Mozart's Rage obviously has no intention of calling it quits. During their absence from the Canadian music scene, the band has been refining their style and working on their latest independent release.
Between gulps of Coke, technical mastermind Raymond MacDonald says their music style gives them an edge over popular mainstream Calgary acts.
"Being the only dance band gives us an advantage," says MacDonald. "The local dance community has been terrific. Still, we want people to understand that we are a band - we don't get up on stage with a pre-recorded show. "
Mozart's Rage, who's former claim to fame was dressing up in 18th century clothing, was originally an electro band with industrial overtones. Since then, they have dropped the look and have mellowed considerably into a mainstream dance band. MacDonald says their new album is by far the most commercial release they have produced.
"This is a more radio friendly release because musical integrity can only take you so far. We'd like to do whatever we want but we need to make money at this."
Resurrection, the band's first full-length album which will be released on March 24, is a solid dance album with melodies reminiscent of New Order and Depeche Mode and vocals similar to Faith No More.
MacDonald, along with band members MCCM (keyboard) and Kelly Kelly (vocals, and, yes, that is his real name) hope that their new album will establish them among the growing number of top Canadian music acts.
"I think we are a Canadian success story. We've triumphed over obstacles that break up most upcoming bands," says MCCM.
Following the band's CD release party, Mozart's Rage will be releasing their video, "Rock Me Amadeus," to MuchMusic and begin their cross-Canada tour in May.
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