U Knighted Band: A Feast for Triangle Music Lovers

U Knighted is a band that has been in existence for several years, but it's only recently that they have become more visible to the Triangle music scene. They have expanded their band, released a demo CD (with a second one in the works), played several gigs in the past couple months (with more to come), and increased their publicity efforts with a website, Facebook page, MySpace page, and Youtube channel. Their unique sound is sure to captivate the hearts and ears of music lovers from the classically trained to the home-grown raised on folk and rock music.

The band originally began with three members who were all training at the same martial arts studio. Sully had a vision and created what he calls a "historical fantasia"--two acts of nine songs each, according the band's Facebook page. On this same page, Sully writes, "One night as I lie weary and weak, with fever from the flu, I felt unfulfilled, frustrated and tired of my life. I needed to re-establish my purpose and get my direction back. I fell into a sweaty, deep dream, waking periodically to write down what I remembered. In and out of the reoccurring endless dream I wrote and slept. Six hours later I awoke feeling terrible, but with eight pages of scribbled notes, a story line and eighteen songs. Going back to work and over the next five days, I expanded the words and music, also borrowing ideas from the past, finished a musical work of which I was in awe."

Sully then asked E N and Derek, all from the same martial arts studio to help him create the band that would one day record and play this musical fantasia.

U Knighted Band currently has 7 members of a variety of ages and genders. E N Burton plays lead guitar, as well as toe bass, which is one of the most interesting things you will see when watching them play live. As he plays the guitar, he is simultaneously plucking a bass guitar with his toes. Sully also plays guitar and is often the lead vocal in songs. Derek Thomas plays DR-5 Symphonic boxes, known as drum machines. It allows you to create a wide variety of sounds to as percussion adds to song. His contributions really add to the layered sound of the group. Sally Siggens plays keyboard, flute, and some percussion, as well. Jessika Brust, one of the newest members of the group, plays an electric violin. Justin Valetta plays drums, and Stefan Perrachon is the band's filmographer. One of the group's biggest assets is that everyone sings. They often take turns singing lead vocal, and the harmonies they can create together are lush and impressive.

It is rare to find a musical group that is truly unique, but U Knighted has managed to create something that is just that. They have written songs from many genres, including folk, rock, swing, rock ballads, and world/international tunes. On their demo CD, Eclipse, you can hear some of the songs they have written. "The Falls," has a distinct Asian feel with Native American drum patterns and flute accompaniment. "With You," is very much a traditional rock song, complete with a power guitar solo, but with a quieter section for female and male soloists that reminds me of a Led Zeppelin sound. Then there's "Hope for Some," which has all the accoutrements of one of Pink Floyd's rock opera tunes. My personal favorite is "Grandfather," a sweet song with some wicked bad percussion things going on in it (sounds like a grandfather clock, of course) about a grandfather clock and how the narrator learned to never take family for granted. These are just the songs on their first demo CD. Their 2nd demo CD comes out soon and will contain even more musical styles.

Watching U Knighted play live will entice the eyes, as well as the ears. As mentioned before, the group members have an interesting electic look. Watching E N play bass with his toes is interesting in and of itself. Jessika's electric blue violin is also eye candy to behold. The first time I watched them live, my eyes were jumping around so quickly trying to catch all of the intricacies of their show. If that wasn't enough, they have a movie screen behind the band, where different images are displayed during their act.

But what really sets their act apart of your average show is the music. Altogether, they create something special and spiritual. After listening to "The Falls," you really do, ". . . feel much better," and after listening to Grandfather, you just might rush home to call your older relatives you haven't taken the time time to listen in awhile or ever. Music is such a powerful tool of communication, and U Knighted seems to have something to say to the world, or, for now, at least, to the Raleigh area.

To hear some of their music and learn about upcoming shows, you can visit their Facebook page, Youtube channel, or website.