November 2001

All the Queen's Men
Boston's New Monarchy

Words by Robert W. Samson
additional notes from Cherith Greenwood

Pulsing hypnotic beats. Exotic rhythms. Haunting, trance-like melodies. Hot sweaty bodies thriving on the rave enriched temptations of the ambient sound. All this and more culminate to the catharsis of tribal desires that Boston 'rocktronica' artists All the Queen's Men exhales from the stage each and every night.

Merging the sounds of rock, trance, techno and even tribal middle-eastern melodies, AQM brings to the table a blend of styles that is an uncommon blend with the Boston Underground live music scene. Before, in order to hear such an eclectic mix, one would've needed to make the rounds of Lansdowne Street, The Theatre District, Cambridge's Central Square, and then some random 'holes in the wall'. Even then you might find yourself walking away feeling an empty void. But after experiencing AQM, your heart rate will be up, your senses alive, and your void filled.

Riding the successful wake of their recent release "Madame Staatic", AQM vocalist Christine Zufferey, guitarist Catherine Capozzi, bassist Chris Farrell, and drummer Tamora Gooding have been going the distance. Since their early days of playing the recorder in school (Tamora still remembers her 3rd grade school recital and playing the ever complex "Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star" solo), these guys have had aspirations of the music industry.

"The music scene is a by product of a dream and I've always had the dream," states Chris. Catherine had an alternate outlook on her musical future: "I consider it an art, a discipline, an expression. I guess being part of the 'music scene' is a different aspect than being a musician. It's the hangin', the networkin', the clothes, the hair, the parties, blah, blah...coming from a shy person, it takes a lot of getting used to."

Trying to portray a comfortable, yet attractive and unique image, AQM tries not to succumb to any particular image niche. They have their own style, and only try to live up to that. Catherine strongly supports this by telling us: "honestly, I think the only thing we have to live up to is to be true to our art/music, whatever shape that takes on, or that evolves. That's all there ever is." Tamora continues: "I wouldn't say [we have] an image to live up to, but I would say we look real funky. A strong presence...we make it obvious that we're having a ball."

"Madame Static" portrays a musical journey from beginning to end, as well as a freedom of expression. Wanting it to be a reflection of energy, each song tells a chapter in a story of expressional growth. From the opening beats and eerie melodies of 'You Want Me', to the paranoia-invoked dissonance of 'Naha', each song portrays a series of emotions beginning with oppression and building to ego integrity and positive fulfillment. The album finishes up with techno remixes of the track 'Azalaya', which were done by Christine's brother, and have seen international success at raves and techno clubs in Switzerland.

"The song is a person all it's own," Catherine and Christine tell us, "The melody happens before the lyrics. The name Azalaya and Naha are actually the opening sound of the songs." Chris adds, "It's like when people are calling across the mountains, AHZAHAAALLLLLYAAA ! Like the book Finnigan's Wake, it has allusions and meanings below the surface."

With the public and the media lending strong support, the response to the music has been nothing but positive. "It's encouraging and rewarding," states Chris, "After all the hours invested...it's a relief that the response has been so positive." Tamora adds:"I've always wanted to be where the music is. You are totally there and exposed to whatever people are going to think and say and it's good to get [the] positive. It's exciting to have people enjoy our music."

With such a powerful sound, All the Queen's Men are quickly breaking down the barriers of music genres, and opening up a whole realm to music fans far and wide. With success already established across seas in Switzerland, and notoriety quickly building here in Boston, this "Monarchy" is sure to be heard.

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