:: RAT RIOT :: A World Full Of Noise

As our readers should know by now, our obsession with the latest and greatest has sparked our interest in creating this blog. Nearly two years ago, two men changed the way we listen to electro-music, I figured I’d give my readers an insite on one of my favorite DJ’s. Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, originally reigning from Paris, together comprise the sensation that is “Justice”.

Who would have known that in the Summer 2006, after listening to “We Are Your Friends” on a friends laptop, I would have sparked up an interest with a group that is still played on my iPod nearly 3years later. I mean really- I change my favorite songs as often as I change my underwear (or at least it feels that way!).  Anyways- back on track. Their first CD “CROSS” debuted in July 2007. Full of low-frequency pumps, torqued lyrics, and high octane thrills, their debut album was a definite hit. Played at clubs across the world, this Parisian duo definitely shook up the club scene. Their music can be compared to art, interpreted however you choose.

I had the pleasure of seeing this dynamic duo not once but twice, earlier this year. Their presence is very dark and mysterious- similar to the more popular “Daft Punk”. I can-not begin to tell you how they  posses their audience’s attention, and their electric stage presence even in a large venue. Their stage set-up is fairly simple, just two men, and a 5foot lit cross between the two of them; letting the music speak for itself. I can only say so much about this group, without sounding like their spokesperson- Listen and hear and feel for yourself the music of JUSTICE after the jump.

- A L E X A N D E R

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Indie kids everywhere are going insane over one of the hottest bands to hit the music scene in several years. HEARTSREVOLUTION, which has become one of my new favorite bands, hit the music scene late last year with several independently released tracks that became instantly popular throughout clubs from New York to Miami.

Originally hailing from Los Angeles, the boyfriend/girlfriend duo have since signed with IHEARTCOMIX Records and has released their first official single C.Y.O.A (Choose Your Own Adventure) which has garnered them a cult following. Their Video for C.Y.O.A., directed by Jean Demery & Bastien Lattanzip, is a clear reflection of why many are infatuated by the clear genius that is HEARTSREVOLUTION.

- A L E X A N D E R

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The U.K music scene is absolutely wild. Inspired in many ways by the Rock & Roll decadence of the 1970’s, not that I was there, I just used to watch a lot of Behind the Music on VH1, the eclectic sounds of the various artists are beginning to travel stateside.

When our radios are blasting the same generic rap and pop, it seems the U.K. is mixing things up a bit. Don’t get me wrong, the U.S has a lot of cool bands, but sadly the best ones seldom reach mainstream success.

Randomness would have it that I stumbled across this amazing AMERICAN Band called The Gossip’s Myspace page. Although they have yet to be embraced by American listeners, they are HUGE in the U.K. I can’t help but wonder why Europeans always have better taste when it comes to artistic expression.

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Music is inspired from all corners of the Universe. Sounds, and Rhythms can come from anywhere. Baile Funk is a category of music which was created in the slums of Brazil. The sound is very unique, its similar to that of Miami Bass, with deep rapid beats and aggressive, and vulgar vocals.

It’s artists sing about sex, money, power, drugs, and everyday life in the slums of Rio De Janeiro, called “Favelas”, where drug lords, and gangs run the streets. The Music is created by Favela locals who are determined to make a political statement in their music’s lyrics.

There are plenty of artists who have reached mainstream success. My current, and long-time obsession with Brazilian band “Bonde Do Role”, has resurfaced on my iTunes play list.

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The United Nations voted Thursday to extend for one year the Peace-Keeping Resolution it had initiated in 2004 to help those affected by the genocide in Darfur. The United States was the only country not to support the extension, citing a problem with the resolutions wording. A representative stated,

“The U.S. abstained in the vote because language added to the resolution would send the wrong message to Sudanese President Bashir and undermine efforts to bring him and others to justice, this council cannot ignore the terrible crimes that have occurred throughout the conflict in Darfur.”

Earlier this month, The International War Crimes tribunal filed charges against the president. The alleged crimes stem from a brutal counter-insurgency campaign the Sudanese government conducted after rebels began an uprising in Darfur in 2003. Since, well over 300,000 people have died, and nearly 2.5 million have been forced from their homes.

Though much has been done to stop the ethnic cleansing, much work is still needed in order to assure that peace is restored in the region and that those responsible are brought to justice. For those who care to get involved or raise awareness R-A-T-RIOT.com has listed the website below where your voices can be heard.

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