Sep 16 : "Open Notes" - Tygerstrype

Philly Music!

THE RIGHT FIT!

Each time I go out to see a particular band, I look to see what is unique about that show. What sets that show apart from the other bands playing that same night or even from the previous shows by the same band I'm going to see.

On the night of August 16 (I admit I'm WAY behind in my postings), I went to see Tygerstype play at The Fire. They were doing a benefit for Philly Socialists. The occasion was "Philly Socialists Days of Summer Benefit Show".

The two things that made this show unique were that Tygerstrype (vocalist and electronics man, Gabriel Guerrero; and my friend, Alden Towler, on guitar) went beyond the other bands' mere verbal thank you's to the host group but actually praised the hosts for the work they're doing in the community. In addition, Gabe talked the theme around full circle from the work of the group to the lyrics in the band's music. Tygerstrype very seldom gives background about any of the songs, so that was the second unique component of this show.

One of the first songs they played was "Open Notes" which is the opening track on their 2011 cd, "Lackadaisical Daisy". Gabe explained in his introductory remarks that the song is loosely based on the writing of Martinique-born French Algerian author Frantz Fanon in his book, "Wretched of the Earth". Having seen the devastating effects of French imperialism and colonization on his own island of Martinique and having received his professional training in medicine and psychiatry, he writes about how colonization influences the psyche of an individual, a group, or, on a more macro basis on a race.

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Gabe says that while his music doesn't refer to Fanon directly, "i do make subtle references to Fanon and his interpretation of Imperialism and its implicit oppression."

"Open Notes" starts out with a smooth and lengthy introduction, from 0.00 to 2.41 minutes, when the tempo increases into the main body of the song, where you can find some of the lyrics that Gabe sent along below:.

"the tattooed sun underneath
your heavy eyelids can bring a
gloomy sunshine when you
fall asleep at night

you've got to be strong in the shadows that
stain the ground and the mountain tops with greed
must believe that the avatar is you
exposed and posing in an open air

i know that there is gonna be a fight to give 'em
i know that the scarlet sun sets west
the answers are blowing in the wind
disappear in a grey and morbid sky"

:::Gabe continues in talking about his lyrics:::

the idea of revolution becomes paramount throughout the song with a recurring slogan of "i know that there's gonna be a fight to give' em" against the very violent, oppressive, and imperialist West (hence the reference of the scarlet sun setting west, relaying imagery of a blood drenched sun that falls west)

there is always this understanding of uncertainty but with these colonized people knowing is half the battle and Fanon made it imperative that spreading awareness of ones surroundings, capabilities, and self are the most important tools for building the foundation of a revolution.

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At the show at The Fire, the band played a number of songs from "Lackadaisical Daisy", as well as giving the audience a peek at some new sounds. … And "Open Notes" is also playing right here on my blog page :::

To visit Tygerstrype on Facebook here is the click ::: Tygerstrype (CLICK HERE)

If you want to see Tygerstrype live, you're in luck. They're doing a show at Johnny Brenda's tomorrow night! Tygerstrype's Show at Johnny Brenda's. Check them out!

And to read more about Frantz Fanon, here is the click ::: Frantz Fanon