RUBBER

"No reason"

Those 2 words spoken several times during the opening monologue are the defining reason why this movie is so marvelously different.

Let me give you the synopsis: a rubber tire, apparently named Robert, comes mysteriously to life in the desert and starts killing using its telepathic powers.

Yes, you read that right.

That bird's in trouble.

As well as that, there are quite a few other things in the movie that defy explanation; that happen for no reason.

Therein lies the beauty of this film.

As in the beginning of the excellent game Alan Wake, Alan quotes Stephen King thus, "Stephen King once wrote that nightmares exist outside of logic, and there's little fun to be had in explanations. They're antithetical to the poetry of fear. In a horror story, the victim keeps asking why. But there can be no explanation, and there shouldn't be one. The unanswered mystery is what stays with us the longest., and it's what we'll remember in the end."

Gee, I wonder who started that fire.

When you first see this film, don't expect... well, don't expect anything. Instead, listen to the opening monologue. Listen well and it will be the path to viewing this movie from the proper perspective and frame of mind.

Is Rubber really a horror film in the true sense of the word? It could be. But I think that would be unfairly pigeonholing it. It certainly does have elements of horror. Horror, comedy, avant-garde, sci-fi, suspense, all these styles and elements are in there as well. But when I look at the movie as a whole, I see it as a wonderfully refreshing and experimental film, gleefully kicking Hollywood in the nuts.

The big chase scene!

The effects are not of the multimillion-dollar style. Nor are they the cheesy sy-fy channel style. They are what they need to be. And they work just fine.

The acting was surprisingly good. I think it's hard to come across with a believable projection in such an off the wall film, but the actors did an exemplary job. I can't recall one stiff or unenthusiastic or unbelievable performance. Quite a feat in a movie such as Rubber.

Why yes, that is Robert going into a motel room with a girl.

It's hard to explain much about this movie. Not due to spoilers, but more in trying to give a coherent and clear explanation to something that is neither coherent or clear. And is not meant to be. All i know is that i enjoyed it immensely. And in the end, that's what counts. Don't you agree?

If you are the type of person that needs answers, explanations, cleanly wrapped up ending, and no loose ends, please move on. Trust me.

Robert relaxing.

If you are the type of person who can appreciate a movie for its originality and not question it too closely, then by all means, see this film!

Why did the the tire come to life? How did it end up with telepathic powers? Why does it kill? Why are there people with binoculars watching the story unfold? I have no idea. Maybe there's no reason.

RUBBER: www.rubberthemovie.com

Vascular Symphony: Japanese Riot

Who the hell is Rodak?

Face it, that’s what most record execs would say. Worse still, that’s what they figure the general public would say, squashing the hope that a song like Vascular Symphony’s “Rodak” would ever see the light of  day. Never mind that the song’s intro alone can hook anyone in for the whole space ride. I guess the song itself doesn’t count, right? Maybe some backup dancers would help? Maybe. If the backup dancers looked like gorillas wearing blonde wigs.

I don’t think that Vascular Symphony, comprised of  Philip T. Lacinak and Theodore Sharpless,  really give a crap what record execs or the general public think. If they did, their new release, Japanese Riot, would sound like 99% of the crap in the top 40 today. Rest assured, it doesn’t. So thank the deity of your choice that home recording and independent releases have become the way to go for bands that don’t compromise!

If you’re not familiar with Rodak or Dr. Gori, who cares (however, a search on “Commander of Conquest Earth” may yield an interesting pre-Vascular Symphony precursor)? Look it up later if it means that much to you. What you should be focusing on here is VS’s in your face sound and Japanese sci-fi geek-friendly lyrics!

Japanese Riot starts off with a seemingly simple rhythm line that quickly adds a sinister voice and transforms into a tractor beam that pulls you all the way into the mosh pit-flavored center of “Rodak”.

Philip T. Lacinak: lead vocals, percussion

As soon as the next track, “Space Elevator” hits, you’re going to notice that this is a very bass-heavy offering so  far. And you’ll be right. Theodore is one of those few proud bass players that let the bass guitar be the center instrument in the band, rather than blend into the background. We need more of these guys.  In fact, those of you who pay attention may be surprised at just how much the bass fills up the majority of the quite full-sounding VS sound. You may question if Vascular Symphony really is only 2 guys. Yes, it is! The trick is that it’s 2 very talented guys.

That talent is evident by the contrast between the tracks “Dr. Gori” and “Mastermind” and their equality on different levels. “Dr. Gori” sounds like a simple enough song, until you can’t stop singing “Hey Dr. Gori what’s your story? Hey Dr. Gori don’t you worry!” for the rest of the day. “Mastermind”, on the other hand, had me listening to see if I could determine how many unique sounds there were in the song and which ones were were live and which ones were programmed. I gave up and just listened because it’s a cool fucking song; which is all that really counts anyway, right?

The standout song for me, however, is “Insults of Rodak”.  A song where you’d swear Phil is inviting you to sing along, and that’ll have you playing air guitar… to a BASS! Never thought you’d do that, did you?!

Theodore Sharpless: programming, bass guitar, backing vocals

So, are the record execs right in deciding for you that you should be listening to their fresh-of-the-assembly-line bands, or are you going to support the true artists of the future?

Go Space Giants!!!

Check them out at: Vascular Symphony