Review of the Bands: Closed Heart Surgery and Sick Puppies

"Closed Heart Surgery" is a self described Emo-Rap group from Orange County, California with members Rocom and Rossie G. They have a very indie feel to them, but at the same time they are very polished. So just what is this music like?

Often times taking familiar themes and songs and adding a rap beat to them, "Closed Heart Surgery" takes creativity to a new extreme by spinning classics into moody almost drug like music. Extremely talented in fleshing out an existing song to fit a new criteria and reach a new audience, this band prides itself in its uniqueness. Rapping over such huge songs like The Verve's "Bittersweet Symphony, " the band has a nice niche audience it plays to, with over 13,000 'friends' on Myspace.

An interesting thing about this band is their view of role models and image. Always covering their faces on purpose, "Closed Heart Surgery" wants their message to be heard and not seen in the literal sense. Having no interest in fame or fortune, the group spits a rare voice of integrity, self-awareness, and personal power above agendas and societal greed.

The band "Sick Puppies" is an Australian group that had a major surge of fame from the popular website Youtube. Their song 'All The Same' was featured in the Youtube video 'Free Hugs Campaign.' Ever heard of it? You are in the minority if you haven't. In fact, the 'Free Hugs Campaign' video has over 33 million views. Yes, million. The song is a visceral piece of art and strikes a chord in anyone that has ever lost something that was their world.

The genres encompassing "Sick Puppies" are rock, alternative and indie, and they are one of the few bands out there today that actually live up to all three labels simultaneously. In addition, they have been featured on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, as well as Oprah and CNN. As for their accomplishments beside just being the theme song to a heartwarming viral video, "Sick Puppies" won 'Best Live Performance' from the Australian Live Music Awards.

Overall they are a concoction of unbelievably poignant lyrics and epiphanies, leading every listener to look in the mirror and know the world will be alright despite, pain, hatred and heartbreak. It is a group that sings seemingly with you instead of to you, with something even the casual listener can grasp onto subconsciously and identify with.