The Band Called Fuse Vs. Rage Against The Machine

posted in: Features • Rock

In our latest edition of Vs. we bring you New Jersey-based The Band Called Fuse and pit them against the politically-charged rock-rap hybrid of Rage Against The Machine. Like Rage Against The Machine, The Band Called Fuse use elements of hard rock and hip hop to create a genre-blending sound that is difficult to classify. Their track “Tomorrow” is a perfect example of the similarities between the two bands. The song begins with a dark and ominous electric guitar line that picks up momentum with the entrance of the deep and funky bass line. The drums enter in the verse and create a strong backbeat for MC Silent Knight’s rhymes. With lyrics that touch on a number of issues including the state of the economy and violence in the inner city, the song is a socially-conscious affair and a call for change not unlike the political lyrics of Rage’s frontman Zach de la Rocha.

However, The Band Called Fuse’s politics are much less radical then those of Rage Against The Machine, and their lyrics touch on a much more varied palette of themes and concepts. “Pressure” deals with the pressures and stresses everyone feels from work and every day life. “Texas North 5 A.M.” deals with the issues of relationships and ex-girlfriends. “Love & War In The City” touches on the dichotomy of what makes life in the big city both exciting and depressing. In the first verse, MC Silent Knight talks about how he loves the energy and life of living in the city. However, in the second verse he flips the script and raps about how sad it is that at the same time there is so much crime and poverty. The lyrics can be complex but at the same time emotionally charged and relatable.

Instrumentally, The Band Called Fuse also has a more varied sound from Rage Against The Machine. While the music of Rage Against The Machine usually revolves around guitarist Tom Morello’s use of effects pedals to create unique and unusual sounds you wouldn’t expect to hear on a guitar, The Band Called Fuse prefer a more traditional approach when writing their songs. “Love & War In The City” utilizes a hard driving guitar riff that wouldn’t sound out of place on classic rock radio. This riff combined with the soulful male and female vocal harmonizations of the song’s chorus create a very classic atmosphere, yet still modern sounding with the rapped verses. “Korbelebration” uses an organ and electric guitar interplay to continue the vintage vibe. It’s not all old school for these guys though. “Singularity” ditches the guitars in favor of keyboards to create a song that falls more closely in line with modern hip hop, but manages to not sound generic due to the live drums and bass. With great musicianship and even better lyricism, The Band Called Fuse are sure to make a splash with hip hop and rock fans alike.

Check out The Band Called Fuse’s  EP Tomorrow, out now on iTunes.

Know an OurStage artist that can give a mainstream one a run for their money? Let us know in the comments!