Member Since: 12/11/2005
Influences:
Sounds Like: "The primary creative forces of the Alliance are Johnny Dutro and Weston Thomson. These two talented and contrasting artists bring together deep and primitive energies through the use of electronic and traditional instrumentation, with purpose and intention. Thomson is rooted in the electronics providing beats, sounds and sequences while Dutro utters original lyrics that go straight to the medulla and beyond with a trance dub delivery in his vocals.
I've been into these cats since just before the release of the their initial record, "Sacred Future," a self-produced endeavor that enlisted the talents of no less than 11 mostly local guest artists. Their music is meditative and beautiful with deep and well-placed beats. Most songs are long and deliberate allowing the listener to be transformed or transported.
I was eager to see exactly how such profound sounds would be created live. As I entered the sub-aquatic realm I took a seat next to Holger Honda against the back wall. Once the music began and the bass shot through the floor, up the wall and into my back, I felt the veil between this world and the next becoming thinner.
Thomson switched from keys, beats machine and various electronics while Dutro played with a collection of hand drums. I was impressed with the sounds these two were able to create and so were the dancers, who had dropped into a joyful semi-trance state.
Look for their new album in the next month or so." --- The Buzz
"The Alliance plays extremely positive, progressive music, mostly electronically based but with a rich organic, meditative feel." --- The Buzz
"A Living Alliance of Love has been created by Chico musicians Johnny Dutro and Weston Thomson. The duo’s CD, Sacred Future, is an innovative blend of a variety of genres, instrumentals and vocals. African polyrhythm mingles with saxophones and violins. Latin and Asian influences compliment hypnotic trance hymns. Due to the producers wanting to include many talented musicians, regardless of style, this inventive disc defies categorization. Two constants weave throughout: a conscious message of growth and healing through love and Dutro’s reggae-influenced zen rap. His soft-spoken, but commanding voice exudes a powerful intention to better the world. Several tracks shine, notably “Dragon Song.†The song unites a monk-like chant with ethereal beats and progresses to Dutro’s inspiring rap, which feels threatening, yet seductive. This collaboration of local talent fills sound space with a positive vibration. Think Buddhist temple after the collective om." --- Chico News and Review
Record Label: Unknown Indie
Type of Label: Unsigned