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InTension
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InTensionSetting New Standards
2005-07-26
Article Written by: Benjamin Cameron
"If other bands had the same drive, motivation, and brotherly bond, then the music scene would explode." - Artist representative Shawn Duffy
Fan Quotes:
"InTension is making it happen"
"InTension is taking over"
We at What's Happening Daytona felt very fortunate for the time InTension set aside for us. They are simultaneously great musicians and great people; striving continually to reach the next level. In so doing, the trio is fueled by positive, powerful intention.
Music is infinite, and thus it will manifest differently as dependant on its creator. You may observe InTension and think of darkness, but the reality is that they are more like a beacon of light helping to illuminate the pathways to success for original music in the area. They are hard working both in and out of the studio to make sure their voice is heard; and once you see them on stage or hear their CD, then you too will realize that InTension…is taking over.
It has been just two years since their conception as a five piece, and only one year since taking on their current form as an incredibly dynamic, animated, energetic, and professional hard rock trio. Given these numbers, you might say InTension is still in their infancy…that is, until you behold their sovereignty. InTension has proven to be an act that will not disappoint. They are ambitious and tenured in their presentation; they hold nothing back and yet deliver every moment with maturity, style, and cleverness. With an always growing and intensely loyal fan base consisting of everyone from your neighbor to other bands, these pioneers are proving that there is a market for original music in the Volusia and Flagler County area. Intension is boldly raising the bar and setting new standards. InTension is "making it happen".
Gus Colarusso, on lead vocals and bass, has been singing all his life; influenced by rock operas such as "Jesus Christ Superstar", The Beatles, and his father. Hailing from the northeastern region of the U.S. until about four years ago, he has managed to amass an impressive amount of musical experience. One of his earliest explorations of the world of music was on piano as a kid-which later became the study of the bass viola in high school. In college, Gus found himself making new magic with formal classical guitar training and further study on vocals. Today, you'll find this melodic guru on stage with a six string bass guitar, singing with an almost surreal, ethereal style. From a folk duo with his father during the ages of fourteen and fifteen, to the intensity of InTension, you can still sense his love of classical music, particularly from the "classical" or "romantic" eras among his inspiration gained from such talent as Victor Wooten and Dream Theater. Don't forget of course, the 1973 metallic blue Volkswagen bus. It says InTension on the back; top speed…fifty-five.
From New York comes guitarist Rick Kovac-who came to Daytona about eight years ago to attend Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. Brandishing his Steve Vai Signature guitar, coupled with his ferocious vocals, he helps to keep the sounds of InTension burning continually with a fire of assuredness and passion. From fourth grade to eighth grade he was busying himself with the tenor saxophone, then from about eighth to eleventh grade he was found studying the French Horn. Rick experiences euphoria when making music, and he never takes for granted the great achievement that it is to be performing for InTension's cherished fans. Some of his influences are Mega Death, Iron Maiden, Dream Theater, Black Sabbath, and an intriguement with the playing of Steve Vai.
Imbued with ardor is the passionate, supportive style of drummer Justin Doig. His artistry is strategically executed and destroys the chains of conventionality while blending in perfectly with InTension. His experience includes Drum Corps. and various percussion implementations among other things. Justin has been acquainted with his craft for about twenty years, and when he moved to Daytona Beach in the year two thousand from the northeastern region of the U.S., he had no interest in abandoning music. His ability to move about melodically behind his drum kit has been enhanced somewhat by his experience on piano. Some of Justin's most prominent and current influences are Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Danny Carey, Thomas Lang, Vinnie Paul, and fusion drummers such as Dave Weckle.
It will now be reiterated that InTension is a band that you cannot miss. They are three monster musicians with phenomenal stage presence and each of them possesses a rich background of musicianship. The result is a distinctive style that you will recognize immediately as InTension. From lyrical hooks produced by the inerrant melodies of Gus's bass & vocals to Rick's shredding, piercing presence, perpetuated further into eternalization by Justin's percussive expression, InTension is well equipped to take on the task of breathing new life into the music scene anywhere they go. They are great with people, too. Regardless of how busy they are setting up or tearing down…regardless of how hard they're rocking out on stage, they always find time to acknowledge their fans. InTension unanimously agrees that they love their fans…they are in awe of the response they continually receive.
Part of the reason for this gratitude towards the fans is exactly why the fans are there in the first place…great original music. "I've played in cover bands before," says Gus, "and I hated it with every fiber of my being."
InTension also has a great, positive can-and-will-do attitude that reflects at their shows and in their personalities. "What you give is what you get," says Justin. Anthony Sica, owner of "That's Entertainment" magazine, highlights a few instances of InTension's positive paradigm in an informative feature that he wrote on the band.
InTension has even been featured in The Daytona News Journal and has been heard on 95.7 The Hog during "Metal 'Till Midnight" and "The Scene". During the Emergenza battle of the bands in the summer of '05, InTension had the most crowd votes in addition to winning best drummer, best bassist, and second best guitarist. A very consistent band, they wish to "bring new spark to original music and infuse Central Florida with camaraderie and love for creativity." Each member of InTension has had at least one family member who was also a musician; their family members must be proud.
Soon to come, however, is the departure of InTension from the sands of Daytona Beach. They are leaving for the L.A. area, to continue in their conquest. Follow up with InTension on What's Happening Daytona or their website to catch them when they return. In the meantime, the band 7 Blue Skies will be holding down Sunday nights at Frank's Front Row. Be sure to keep an eye out for InTension's first full length CD soon to be distributed in stores (www.intensiononline.com for details).
InTension - boldly traversing a path to make things happen. And thanks to Gus for pointing out the very well known dialogue spoken at the end of one of his favorite shows of all time…"Pinky and the Brain".
That's right. InTension is taking over. Driven, professional, and capable, InTension is setting new standards.
**Some photos courtesy of Tiffany Rose
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