Beta State

AbsolutePunk.net – Secured interview feature: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3215331
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured 6/30 show coverage. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured album stream feature: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3197681
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured news item: http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3151641
AllEvents.com – Secured event listing: http://allevents.in/Jose-/Beta-State-@-The-Blank-Club-CD-RELEASE-SHOW-San-Jose,-CA/181207912036855
AllVoices.com – Secured news item: http://www.allvoices.com/news/14677224-new-video-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate
AlternativeAddiction.com – Secured interview feature. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
AlternativeAddiction.com – Secured song placement: http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/newmusic/tracking/playtrack.asp?id=2632
AltPress.com – Secured exclusive video premiere: http://www.altpress.com/aptv/video/video_premiere_beta_state_channel_breaking_bad_for_clean_slate
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AltPress.com – Secured Facebook promotion: https://www.facebook.com/altpress/posts/10152820379455652
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AltSounds.com – Secured file-o-facts feature: http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/160024-file-o-facts-matty-beta-state.html
AM1700Radio.com – Secured playlist feature: http://www.am1700radio.com/10277
ArtistDirect.com – Secured homepage feature: http://www.artistdirect.com/
ArtistDirect.com – Secured exclusive song premiere feature: http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/song-premiere-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate/10550196.
BassMusicianMag.com – Secured interview feature: http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/06/bassist-justin-kastner-bass-musician-magazine-q-a/
BGMusicNews.com – Secured news item: http://bgmusicnews.blogspot.com/2013/05/google-alert-punk-rock_2407.html
BlindCarrotMagazine.com – Secured news item: http://www.blindcarrotmagazine.com/2013/04/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album.html
CampusCircle.com – Secured event listing: http://www.campuscircle.com/calendar/calendar_event.cfm?ceid=15660
CBS.com – Secured event listing: http://events.47cbs.com/fresno/events/beta-state-/E0-001-056996839-8
CelebrityBalla.com – Secured news item: http://www.celebrityballa.com/2013/05/matt-mcdonald/beta-state-new-video-slate-start-clean
CoolTry.com – Secured interview feature: http://cooltry.com.au/introducing-beta-state/
CoolTry.com – Secured album review. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
CristianDaraban.com – Secured album review: http://cristiandaraban.blogspot.com/2013/06/beta-state-friendship-deluxe-edition.html
Derailed.com – Secured feature: http://www.derailed.com/lp2/music-monday/?osid=hp-_-midleft-_-music-monday-_-061013
DigitalTourBus.com – Secured Tour Tips feature: http://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/beta-state-tour-tips/ - .UbdIp_bD4mx
Do415.com – Secured event listing: http://do415.com/event/2013/05/04/scissors-for-lefty-with-fire-in-the-hamptons-prize
DownloadMag.net – Secured album review: http://downloadmag.net/2013/05/21/beta-state-friendship-review/
DownloadMag.net – Secured news item: http://downloadmag.net/2013/04/21/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album-on-may-21st-friendship/
EastBayExpress.com – Secured event listing: http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/beta-state/Event?oid=3638425
Ellenwood-EP.com – Secured 6/30 show coverage.
EncoreStudios.com – Secured news item: http://encourestudios.com/new-video-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate/
FearlessRadio.com – Secured news item: http://fearlessradio.com/en/Press-Releases/beta-state-new-music-video.html
FearlessRadio.com – Secured interview preview feature: http://fearlessradio.com/en/NMB/beta-state.html
The Girl With The Rainbow Hoodie – Secured interview feature: http://thegirlwiththerainbowhoodie.tumblr.com/post/50908589736/beta-state-interview-2013
GoldenMixtape.com – Secured album review: http://goldenmixtape.com/2013/05/20/beta-state-friendship/
Groovey.TV – Secured interview feature. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
HellhoundMusic.com – Secured album review: http://www.hellhoundmusic.com/album-review-beta-state-friendship/
HellhoundMusic.com – Secured news item: http://www.hellhoundmusic.com/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album-may-21st-friendship/
I4U.com – Secured news item: http://www.i4u.com/2013/05/matt-mcdonald/beta-clean-state-new-slate-start-video
IMDB.com – Secured news item: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni53174896/
IndieVisionMusic.com – Secured album review: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2013/06/04/beta-state-friendship/
IndieVisionMusic.com – Secured feature: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2013/04/05/check-out-beta-state/
InfectiousMagazine.com – Secured video placement: http://www.infectiousmagazine.com/beta-state-start-a-clean-slate-music-video/
InfectiousMagazine.com – Secured album review: http://ww - Various

AbsolutePunk.net – Secured interview feature: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3215331
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured 6/30 show coverage. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured album stream feature: http://www.absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3197681
AbsolutePunk.net – Secured news item: http://absolutepunk.net/showthread.php?t=3151641
AllEvents.com – Secured event listing: http://allevents.in/Jose-/Beta-State-@-The-Blank-Club-CD-RELEASE-SHOW-San-Jose,-CA/181207912036855
AllVoices.com – Secured news item: http://www.allvoices.com/news/14677224-new-video-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate
AlternativeAddiction.com – Secured interview feature. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
AlternativeAddiction.com – Secured song placement: http://www.alternativeaddiction.com/newmusic/tracking/playtrack.asp?id=2632
AltPress.com – Secured exclusive video premiere: http://www.altpress.com/aptv/video/video_premiere_beta_state_channel_breaking_bad_for_clean_slate
AltPress.com – Secured homepage feature: http://www.AltPress.com/
AltPress.com – Secured Facebook promotion: https://www.facebook.com/altpress/posts/10152820379455652
AltPress.com – Secured Twitter promotion: https://twitter.com/AltPress/status/337647375789215747
AltSounds.com – Secured file-o-facts feature: http://hangout.altsounds.com/features/160024-file-o-facts-matty-beta-state.html
AM1700Radio.com – Secured playlist feature: http://www.am1700radio.com/10277
ArtistDirect.com – Secured homepage feature: http://www.artistdirect.com/
ArtistDirect.com – Secured exclusive song premiere feature: http://www.artistdirect.com/entertainment-news/article/song-premiere-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate/10550196.
BassMusicianMag.com – Secured interview feature: http://bassmusicianmagazine.com/2013/06/bassist-justin-kastner-bass-musician-magazine-q-a/
BGMusicNews.com – Secured news item: http://bgmusicnews.blogspot.com/2013/05/google-alert-punk-rock_2407.html
BlindCarrotMagazine.com – Secured news item: http://www.blindcarrotmagazine.com/2013/04/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album.html
CampusCircle.com – Secured event listing: http://www.campuscircle.com/calendar/calendar_event.cfm?ceid=15660
CBS.com – Secured event listing: http://events.47cbs.com/fresno/events/beta-state-/E0-001-056996839-8
CelebrityBalla.com – Secured news item: http://www.celebrityballa.com/2013/05/matt-mcdonald/beta-state-new-video-slate-start-clean
CoolTry.com – Secured interview feature: http://cooltry.com.au/introducing-beta-state/
CoolTry.com – Secured album review. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
CristianDaraban.com – Secured album review: http://cristiandaraban.blogspot.com/2013/06/beta-state-friendship-deluxe-edition.html
Derailed.com – Secured feature: http://www.derailed.com/lp2/music-monday/?osid=hp-_-midleft-_-music-monday-_-061013
DigitalTourBus.com – Secured Tour Tips feature: http://www.digitaltourbus.com/features/beta-state-tour-tips/ - .UbdIp_bD4mx
Do415.com – Secured event listing: http://do415.com/event/2013/05/04/scissors-for-lefty-with-fire-in-the-hamptons-prize
DownloadMag.net – Secured album review: http://downloadmag.net/2013/05/21/beta-state-friendship-review/
DownloadMag.net – Secured news item: http://downloadmag.net/2013/04/21/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album-on-may-21st-friendship/
EastBayExpress.com – Secured event listing: http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/beta-state/Event?oid=3638425
Ellenwood-EP.com – Secured 6/30 show coverage.
EncoreStudios.com – Secured news item: http://encourestudios.com/new-video-beta-state-start-a-clean-slate/
FearlessRadio.com – Secured news item: http://fearlessradio.com/en/Press-Releases/beta-state-new-music-video.html
FearlessRadio.com – Secured interview preview feature: http://fearlessradio.com/en/NMB/beta-state.html
The Girl With The Rainbow Hoodie – Secured interview feature: http://thegirlwiththerainbowhoodie.tumblr.com/post/50908589736/beta-state-interview-2013
GoldenMixtape.com – Secured album review: http://goldenmixtape.com/2013/05/20/beta-state-friendship/
Groovey.TV – Secured interview feature. Followed up on 7/2. Followed up on 7/8.
HellhoundMusic.com – Secured album review: http://www.hellhoundmusic.com/album-review-beta-state-friendship/
HellhoundMusic.com – Secured news item: http://www.hellhoundmusic.com/beta-state-to-release-new-deluxe-album-may-21st-friendship/
I4U.com – Secured news item: http://www.i4u.com/2013/05/matt-mcdonald/beta-clean-state-new-slate-start-video
IMDB.com – Secured news item: http://www.imdb.com/news/ni53174896/
IndieVisionMusic.com – Secured album review: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2013/06/04/beta-state-friendship/
IndieVisionMusic.com – Secured feature: http://www.indievisionmusic.com/2013/04/05/check-out-beta-state/
InfectiousMagazine.com – Secured video placement: http://www.infectiousmagazine.com/beta-state-start-a-clean-slate-music-video/
InfectiousMagazine.com – Secured album review: http://ww - Various

Beta State is a new very talented band with the two members, Ryan Hernandez and Adrian Robison from Strata. Together with Justin Kastner and Matt McDonald they’re forming a real strong quartet, whose debut "Stars" is a must if you like emotional modern rock ala Jimmy Eat World. One could also compare them with a U2 and 30 Seconds To Mars influenced Dredge with great melodies but with an odd little twist.

If you read their biography so you can find that they were looking at one year after a singer before finding Matt. But they must be very happy that they were so accurate since he is truly an awesome singer. Like his sensitive yet strong voice that fits superbly into their atmospheric modern rock and that takes them to a new level.

Just listen to the fantastic "Stars," "Right Here With You" and "I Will Remember You" and you will understand what I mean. This is a very competent album that must have a proper release if there is logic in the music industry. Ok, there’s no logic at all as you knows, but Beta State is too good not to get signed! - Melodic.net

Beta State is a new very talented band with the two members, Ryan Hernandez and Adrian Robison from Strata. Together with Justin Kastner and Matt McDonald they’re forming a real strong quartet, whose debut "Stars" is a must if you like emotional modern rock ala Jimmy Eat World. One could also compare them with a U2 and 30 Seconds To Mars influenced Dredge with great melodies but with an odd little twist.

If you read their biography so you can find that they were looking at one year after a singer before finding Matt. But they must be very happy that they were so accurate since he is truly an awesome singer. Like his sensitive yet strong voice that fits superbly into their atmospheric modern rock and that takes them to a new level.

Just listen to the fantastic "Stars," "Right Here With You" and "I Will Remember You" and you will understand what I mean. This is a very competent album that must have a proper release if there is logic in the music industry. Ok, there’s no logic at all as you knows, but Beta State is too good not to get signed! - Melodic.net

December 6th marks the release of the new Beta State "#Friendship EP". If you don't know Beta State by now, their the guys from Strata with a new singer Matty McDonald. This is a different band though, so there will be no comparisons to Strata on this review. The band has moved on and created 2 beautiful musical compositions with their new sound.

This EP has the inspirational and upbeat music the band portrayed on their debut album "Stars." Matty and co, have definitely found their sound as a whole unit this time. The music is anthematic, and catchy and these choruses are huge for Radio/TV and movies.The EP starts with the ever so fitting track "Start with a Clean Slate." From the drums and the double picking guitars, the song soars into a huge, ambient introduction to the #Friendship EP. "Stronger than Gravity" displays Matty's well versed mature vocals. This is a great first single.

The uniqueness of Ryan Hernandez' guitar style and ability is classic. You will know when you hear it, but if I had to compare his style to someone that hasn’t heard it yet, I would say Dredg would be the closest and most accurate comparision. This leads me to my favorite on the record, "Carry You." This has the biggest chorus and Ryan's spacey guitars add to the urgency of this song. McDonald pushes the chorus, "I'll be the light you see when all feels to far to reach and I'll be the one you need when its just to dark to see." Everything is just perfect in this song, the drums and pass play as one, the bridge is even bigger than the chorus. I listened to this song about 3 times in a row when I first heard it. "Human" is great end to the EP, even though I wish this was a full length album. That's perfect on Beta State's part for getting the listener to want more. So I click on repeat and that’s that.Beta State even gets in to a cover of Bjork on the record. This one you have to hear.

The growth of the band on this album is very transcendent on #Friendship. I even love the hash tag in front of the album. The band stays relevant with the times and keeping it real for the youngsters, smart thinking. These songs flow impeccably and leave no room for a filler track. You can hear the maturity on their sound from the last album to this one. The band is far too underrated in my book. Mark my words, this band will be real popular soon. The only question is, what song will do it for them? There are six great songs to choose from on the #Friendship EP. - Melodic.net

Another strong component of the well-represented South Bay Music scene would be San Jose’s Beta State who had a memorable2011 indeed, which encompassed TWO Live 105 benchmark concerts: BFD 2011 AND winning the annual NSSN local band competition out of 120 entries…subsequently landing the highly-coveted opening slot for YOUNG THE GIANT, FLORENCE + THE MACHINE, BUSH, MUMFORD & SONS and GREEN DAY at Oakland’s Oracle. They also orchestrated one of the most brazen marketing ploys in recent memory over the summer: As legend has it, Beta State skillfully snuck past and infiltrated the Fort Knox-sized security team for Linkin Park backstage at BFD and proceeded to give the Chester and the band iPod Touches loaded with Beta State music and video’s! (which Linkin Park tweeted about the next day and caught the interest of the entire music industry) finally, 2011 was accented by the December release of one of their best songs to date STRONGER THAN GRAVITY. - Live 105

review of our album "Stars." - Barb Rocks

review of our album "Stars." - Barb Rocks

This is a cool review of our debut album "Stars." - bird's eye review

This is a cool review of our debut album "Stars." - bird's eye review

Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park received and enjoyed our gift! - Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park)

Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park received and enjoyed our gift! - Mike Shinoda (Linkin Park)

Live 105 Names Beta State in annual Top 15 bands of 2010 - Live 105 (San Francisco's #1 Radio Station)

Beta State (San Francisco, CA) “I Will Remember You” - I love the soaring hook of the chorus and the ambiance of the layered guitar textures. Beautiful orchestration of a rock song that emotes the deeper feeling behind the song. Creative and nicely done. Check them out at http://betastatemusic.com - Holly Hutchison from AnRGirl.com

Comprised of two members from former ambient rockers Strata, along with a new bassist and a powerful new vocalist, Beta State’s self-released debut Stars continues their straightforward sound with renewed energy, and a revitalized sense of direction.
Playing in the same sonic sandbox as contemporaries Terrible Things and Far, Beta State finds themselves somewhere in the middle. With Stars, we’re introduced to vocalist Matt McDonald’s soaring, positively emotive and incredibly listenable vocal gymnastics. From the beginning, this is McDonald’s show, as all of the instrumentation – from the reverb drenched, echoing guitar work of “A Place To Call My Own,” or the quietly introduced but energetic at the end tracks “If You Sleep Too Long,” and “Right Here With You” – is framed around his smoothly capable voice.
Album opener “I’m Still Alive” builds from a quiet, ambient opening to an almost danceable first verse, to an absolutely bombastic chorus. Lead from beginning to end by guitarist Ryan Hernandez and bassist Justin Kastner, the track does well to introduce both the album, as well as the band at large. Hernandez’s noodling guitars wend their way through the track, with bassist Kastner given the task of carrying much of the second verse. As the album progresses, it’s impossible not to appreciate what’s been accomplished with the use of only a single guitar. From always appropriate, track enhancing single guitar lines, to album building, chorus magnifying chord progressions, there’s a lot to take in and absorb. At no point, though, is it ever overwhelming. The energetic Pop influence of “You Don’t Belong” finds the band practically tearing through the track with McDonald and a gang vocal chorus adding to the theatrics.
Drummer Adrian Robison propels the album forward with precision, and on it’s title track adds a powerful layer of pulsing energy to an already close to overflowing song. Again, the use of gang vocals provides an interesting backdrop and allows the positivity found in much of McDonald’s lyrics to shine through. The following track, “In Between The Truth And The Trees,” is a perfect amalgamation of each of the disparate elements highlighted throughout the first half of the album, combining McDonald’s often stirring, always impressive vocals with Hernandez’s frenzied yet precise guitar work, Kastner’s able and track filling bass, and Robison’s swift, propulsive drumming.
Lyrically, the album floats between sadness and regret, all while maintaining the ever present notion of forgiveness and perseverance. “I Believe” highlights all of these ideas, allowing that there are unavoidable tragedies in our lives, but that positivity and confidence can help you get through anything. The album as a whole is uplifting, and signifies the arrival of not only a powerful singing voice, but a positive, wholly invigorating and strengthening lyricist.
Stars rarely lets up, only slowing down at the end, and only after the fast-paced “Take Back Your Confidence,” do we get a sense of the quietness Beta State is capable of. “When You’re Gone,” is a ballad in all the right ways, playing quietly with piano and atmosphere, then building up to a potent and moving ending. Stars final track, “I Will Remember You,” is a relatively slow track compared to what comes before it, but finds the band doing what they have proven they are beyond capable of doing – creating towering chorus’ on top of thundering drums and atmospheric guitars and glowing bass, all centered around McDonald’s clear, soaring vocals.
After several listens, the positive and uplifting aspects of Beta State’s Stars becomes a welcome respite from the almost constant negativity of the legions of songwriter’s enthralled by their own self-doubt. McDonald and company have crafted a genuinely moving, energetic, and optimistic album full of shining, inspired guitar work and straightforward, yet poignant lyricism. Beta State may have risen from the ashes of another band, but they’re something altogether singula - Lush Beat

(Use Google Translator to translate to English)

Strata a toujours eu une place particulière pour moi, car leur 2ème et dernier album, Presents the End Of The World reste un de mes albums cultes, avec un son bien personnel et une émotion à fleur de peau. Lors de l’annonce du split de la bande, ce fut la déception, car vue leur évolution, on avait de quoi être enthousiasmé à l’idée d’un nouvel opus. Puis, on se fait une raison, et puis, on découvre d’autres groupes. Et puis, complètement par hasard, on apprend que le guitariste et le batteur ont monté un nouveau projet, Beta State. On se prend à espérer d’un retour de Strata sous un nouveau nom,
mais sans cette voix de Eric Victorino, on se dit qu’une part de l’identité va peut être s’envoler.

Mais stop à toutes les spéculations, à nouveau groupe, nouvelle chance. D’autant plus que le 1er single est un tube emo-rock en puissance. Et la voix du nouveau chanteur Matt, même si un peu moins haut perchée, est tout aussi superbe, et les lignes de chant tout au long de ces 11 titres sont tout simplement de haute volée. Oui, donc, ce single ‘’I’m Still Alive’’, rempli de guitares cristallines, un refrain héroïque comme pas deux. Il est clair que l’influence Strata est belle est bien présente, et flotte dans l’air de tous les morceaux. Si on avait besoin d’une preuve de leur talent, elle est ici. Peut être plus directe que Strata, mais pas moins atmosphérique, et sincèrement, ça fout des frissons. Une sorte de Dredg qui aurait fait des piots avec the Graduate et dont Circa Survive serait le parrain. Ces types ont le sens de la mélodie et sont à l’aise dans leurs baskets, malgré la pression qu’ils ont due se mettre eux-mêmes sur les épaules.

Les influences citées plus hauts sont majeures, c’est évident, mais Beta State les reprend à sa sauce, sans jamais sonner indigeste ou paraître comme un copier/coller d’autres groupes. Parfois presque pop-punk à la Jimmy Eat World sur ‘’A Place To Call My Own’’, parfois bouleversant et Copeland-ien sur ‘’When You’re Gone’’, mais surtout toujours accessible avec cette touche d’expérimentation. Et ça fait bien plaisir, car il y a un même un petit côté progressif, et même post hardcore sur certains titres. C’est là que Circa Survive nous vient à l’esprit, pas le son typique, mais une version poppy qui joue pourtant autant sur les atmosphères. C’est l’un des atouts majeurs du groupe. L’autre atout est de pouvoir créer son propre univers, et de nous emmener loin, haut, autre part. ‘’You Don’t Belong’’, ‘’In Between the Truth And The Trees’’ et ‘’Stars’’ (pas si loin d’un 30 Seconds To Mars qui aurait piqué un refrain à Saosin d’ailleurs) sont des chansons à la fois urgentes, fragiles et belles que l’on n’a pas fini de se passer en boucle. Ce travail sur les guitares est impressionnant et chaque partie a été peaufinée, pour obtenir le résultat, l’émotion juste et sincère.

On sent une rage d’en découdre, une émotion de tous les instants. C’est accessible, mais c’est épique (le dernier titre ‘’I Will Remember You’’ est un pure chef d’œuvre, ces arrangements de cordes sont juste superbes), et c’est tout simplement d’une beauté incroyable. Cette année, beaucoup d’albums m’ont mis une claque, mais celui-ci est en plus une surprise, ce qui ne fait que renforcer de dépendance envers ce disque. Difficile de le lâcher, sans vouloir y revenir instantanément. C’est le signe des grands disques, non? En tout cas, ça l’est pour moi. A aucun moment, on a envie de passer un morceau, on savoure, et on en redemande. Stars est un putain de grand disque dont les Beta State peuvent être fiers. Stars est un de mes disques de l’année. Magnifique!

9/10

Guillaume.

1. I’m Still Alive
2. A Place To Call My Own
3. If You Sleep Too Long
4. Right Here With You
5. You Don’t Belong
6. Stars
7. In Between The Truth And The Trees
8. I Believe
9. Take Back Your Confidence
10. When You’re Gone
11. I Will Remember You

http://www.myspace.com/betastate

Le groupe vous l’offre en téléchargement libre ici, donc aucune excuse pour passer à côté.
à l'adresse 21:23 - Alternativ News

(Use Google Translator to translate to English)

Strata a toujours eu une place particulière pour moi, car leur 2ème et dernier album, Presents the End Of The World reste un de mes albums cultes, avec un son bien personnel et une émotion à fleur de peau. Lors de l’annonce du split de la bande, ce fut la déception, car vue leur évolution, on avait de quoi être enthousiasmé à l’idée d’un nouvel opus. Puis, on se fait une raison, et puis, on découvre d’autres groupes. Et puis, complètement par hasard, on apprend que le guitariste et le batteur ont monté un nouveau projet, Beta State. On se prend à espérer d’un retour de Strata sous un nouveau nom,
mais sans cette voix de Eric Victorino, on se dit qu’une part de l’identité va peut être s’envoler.

Mais stop à toutes les spéculations, à nouveau groupe, nouvelle chance. D’autant plus que le 1er single est un tube emo-rock en puissance. Et la voix du nouveau chanteur Matt, même si un peu moins haut perchée, est tout aussi superbe, et les lignes de chant tout au long de ces 11 titres sont tout simplement de haute volée. Oui, donc, ce single ‘’I’m Still Alive’’, rempli de guitares cristallines, un refrain héroïque comme pas deux. Il est clair que l’influence Strata est belle est bien présente, et flotte dans l’air de tous les morceaux. Si on avait besoin d’une preuve de leur talent, elle est ici. Peut être plus directe que Strata, mais pas moins atmosphérique, et sincèrement, ça fout des frissons. Une sorte de Dredg qui aurait fait des piots avec the Graduate et dont Circa Survive serait le parrain. Ces types ont le sens de la mélodie et sont à l’aise dans leurs baskets, malgré la pression qu’ils ont due se mettre eux-mêmes sur les épaules.

Les influences citées plus hauts sont majeures, c’est évident, mais Beta State les reprend à sa sauce, sans jamais sonner indigeste ou paraître comme un copier/coller d’autres groupes. Parfois presque pop-punk à la Jimmy Eat World sur ‘’A Place To Call My Own’’, parfois bouleversant et Copeland-ien sur ‘’When You’re Gone’’, mais surtout toujours accessible avec cette touche d’expérimentation. Et ça fait bien plaisir, car il y a un même un petit côté progressif, et même post hardcore sur certains titres. C’est là que Circa Survive nous vient à l’esprit, pas le son typique, mais une version poppy qui joue pourtant autant sur les atmosphères. C’est l’un des atouts majeurs du groupe. L’autre atout est de pouvoir créer son propre univers, et de nous emmener loin, haut, autre part. ‘’You Don’t Belong’’, ‘’In Between the Truth And The Trees’’ et ‘’Stars’’ (pas si loin d’un 30 Seconds To Mars qui aurait piqué un refrain à Saosin d’ailleurs) sont des chansons à la fois urgentes, fragiles et belles que l’on n’a pas fini de se passer en boucle. Ce travail sur les guitares est impressionnant et chaque partie a été peaufinée, pour obtenir le résultat, l’émotion juste et sincère.

On sent une rage d’en découdre, une émotion de tous les instants. C’est accessible, mais c’est épique (le dernier titre ‘’I Will Remember You’’ est un pure chef d’œuvre, ces arrangements de cordes sont juste superbes), et c’est tout simplement d’une beauté incroyable. Cette année, beaucoup d’albums m’ont mis une claque, mais celui-ci est en plus une surprise, ce qui ne fait que renforcer de dépendance envers ce disque. Difficile de le lâcher, sans vouloir y revenir instantanément. C’est le signe des grands disques, non? En tout cas, ça l’est pour moi. A aucun moment, on a envie de passer un morceau, on savoure, et on en redemande. Stars est un putain de grand disque dont les Beta State peuvent être fiers. Stars est un de mes disques de l’année. Magnifique!

9/10

Guillaume.

1. I’m Still Alive
2. A Place To Call My Own
3. If You Sleep Too Long
4. Right Here With You
5. You Don’t Belong
6. Stars
7. In Between The Truth And The Trees
8. I Believe
9. Take Back Your Confidence
10. When You’re Gone
11. I Will Remember You

http://www.myspace.com/betastate

Le groupe vous l’offre en téléchargement libre ici, donc aucune excuse pour passer à côté.
à l'adresse 21:23 - Alternativ News