Music Reviews and News

RPM
"Irrational Anthem"

Bio...
Born in Kentucky and raised in Virginia , RPM grew up in a politically conservative Catholic family. Studying classical voice, piano and flute at a young age, she quickly grew tired of the polite side of music. After receiving a degree concentrating in Epic Literature from NYU she was disturbed by the lack of expression she felt within the confines of social conformity. Picking up an electric guitar along the way, she set out to express herself no holds barred and moved to Los Angeles to begin work on what would become Irrational Anthem.

Armed with a voice born to disarm the most skeptical listeners , and wielding her 1960 Les Paul Jr., RPM joined forces with producer and songwriting partner Frank Gryner (Rob Zombie, The Crystal Method, A Perfect Circle ). What came out of this partnership is Irrational Anthem – an ambitious lyrical and musical work that offers an alternative to those sick of corporate-sanitized music.

“A testament to her sick mind,” Irrational Anthem takes on such topics as organized religion, suicide and school violence. While realizing that her viewpoints will make some people “insist that [she's] blacklisted,” RPM doesn't compromise herself. She tells a suicidal friend to “go ahead and jump” and sways the average person to “be anyone else but you.” Questioning hypocritical religion, she states, “If I'm going to hell so are you” while challenging you to ask “so what if you're wrong?” when making decisions about war.

RPM 's blatant irreverence distinguishes her from all other mainstream artists. Her acclaimed live show goes even further to set her apart as she guns into a guitar solo while singing lead and rocking out with a presence that is “both magnetic and hypnotic.” But what really separates RPM from most other artists is her dedication to actually doing something to change what she doesn't like. Always active in political campaigns, RPM also donates her time and money to charitable causes. Currently, RPM is organizing the event Benefit for InnerCity Struggle (a non-profit organization helping kids and schools in East LA ).

Combining the inspiration she derived from the world's most renowned writers, the melodic sensibility she absorbed from such greats as Sondheim, and her irrepressible sense of rebellion, RPM gives us music that goes for the jugular - but grips the mind. This is rock like you've never heard it from the self-proclaimed “patron saint of aggravation.” And for once, here's an artist who speaks her mind and actually might make a difference.

The Review
I get the feeling that RPM doesn't give a damn about what people may think - or what feathers she may ruffle along the way. This new voice of rebellion takes a balls-out approach to her lyrics and music, layering a passion over her performance like a steel cage. Raw and addictive, the collections of songs on her CD "Irrational Anthem" play like a rebel-girl's diary. Her sweet-girl voice and f*ck 'em lyrics are a refreshing slap in the face!

~Trixie, February 2004

Find out how to win autographed goods from RPM....

Visit RPM's Homepage

Send this page to a friend

Post your own Music Reviews here

Current reviews                 Past Reviews