RAGG

OUR WRITE UP AND REVIEW FROM "FEMME METAL" WEBZINE www.myspace.com/femmemetal======== Ragg - Ragg (2008)====== Slagg Records====== Review by Tony Cannella======= Ragg are a band from California. They feature 5-members in their ranks - including two females (on vocals & guitar). The band have just released their self-titled CD and it features an interesting mix of various styles and nuances to create a fun blend of hard rocking music. The politically charged opener 'Valedictorian' really gets the ball rolling. The song is an excellent opener as it just goes right for the throat and doesn't let go. It keeps a steady pace throughout and lead vocalist Debi Red really spits out the lyrics with conviction and ferocity. Her style is really suitable for what the song is trying to convey. With the next song, 'Architect,' the band keeps things going full speed ahead. At almost 3 minutes long, it hits you hard and fast. The next song, 'Serenity' plays up to its title as it starts of slow and well - serene before it evolves into a heavy song that just grinds along and then really picks up the pace. Ragg is a band that combines the melodically sonic combustibility of hard rock and metal with the energy and socially aware lyrics of punk rock. One thing I really like about this band is their use of melody on top of their hard charged lyrics. It's really a cool combination and a facet of the band that makes this CD a worthwhile and interesting listen. 'Empty Heart' is another good track as Debi's vocal style alternates between rapid fire precision and a more dreamy vibe. The CD basically keeps a steady pace throughout, as can be heard on the songs: 'Interrupted' and 'So Down'. 'Interrupted', in particular has a ton of energy going for it and it would make a great single (in my opinion). 'Sucker' is possibly my favorite track here. It is a no-nonsense number that just gallops along and one that was worthy of repeated listening. 'Righteous One' is another favorite. It's got three distinctive styles as it goes from slow to mid-tempo to really, really fast and heavy. Other highlights include: 'Desperation', 'Complicated' and 'Fear Not'. Ragg brings things to a satisfying conclusion with the final two tracks: 'Sin & Love' and 'Brutal'. In addition to lead vocalist Debi Red, the rest of the band is comprised of Monique Grajeda (guitar/backing vocals), Anthony Bolin (guitar/backing vocals), Leni X (bass/backing vocals) and Mike Miller (drums). All the members turn in fine performances. When all is said and done, Ragg have delivered 14 songs and 53 minutes worth of quality, hard driving music that doesn't let up until the final note is played. The band really utilizes a wide range of influences and it all comes together nicely. In the end, this is a CD that should come as a welcome surprise for fans of rock, punk and metal. Rating: 8.0/10==========================RAGG exists as a high-energy hard rock band. Emerging in 1995, Ragg hit the San Luis Obispo music scene with a strong and eclectic punk flavor. As time progressed our music style changed and became more alternative but RAGG found its self wanting to grow even more and the sound became Hard Rock so the band reformed in 2002 with a heavier and tighter rock sound lead by the powerful yet melodic vocals of Debi Red. “RAGG” was brought to life by a strong desire to have a sound that is original and like no other band, that’s what drives us. We want to be different but still accessible; we know it is in our sound and in the way we write the music. “RAGG” writes only what we feel and what we believe in; although we have such different influences and backgrounds we create songs that we feel can bring something new with emotion and powerful;that is true to us, and hopefully people can identify with. RAGG’s songs have a strong use of dynamics, signature time changes and meaning behind the lyrics; nothing shallow. RAGG music is a blend of hard rock and melodic metal. The sound is often hard hitting and powerful overlaid with driving vocals that swim into melodic waves of sensuality. Tempos change and convolute to express the passions and emotions of the rhythmic messages. RAGG is a band that gives in its entirety to the stage performance and its expression to the dynamics and illusions of the music’s soul. ======RAGG has won seven battle of the bands and had been finalists in four battle competitions. ======RAGG has had radio play on college and corporate radio stations, as well as the radio station "Metal Chamber'! in New South Wales Australia. ======RAGG members were featured the Inde film, "Gray Dog" Release date May 2004. ======The RAGG song "Brutal" is featured in a pay-per-view show called "'Vince Neil's Rock Tails". Of "Motley Crue" ======In Dec. 2006 RAGG was nominated for best Modern Rock Band by "The Rock City Music Awards" in Hollywood Ca. ======In Dec. 2007 RAGG won “Best Central California Band” for The Rock City Music Awards in Hollywood, Ca. ======Also in Dec. 2007 Debi Red was nominated for “Best Female Rock Vocalist” also nominated was Monique Grajeda for “Best Female Guitarist” ======RAGG “Best Rock/Metal Band” by "All Access Magazine" in Los Angeles Ca. RAGG is a band that is appreciated for their live shows and the seduction of a band with a style all of their own. ======RAGG’s greatest recent achievement has been having the song “I Want More” selected by Target in collaboration with The Orchard Digital Distribution as its 2007 commercial campaign. The song has had national televised broadcasting as well as in Canada and translated in Spanish. It is also played in Target stores across the nation. ======RAGG is; Monique Grajeda, Guitar/Backing vox Debi Red, Lead Vocals--Anthony Bolin, Guitar/Bass/Backing vox-- Leni X/Bass/Baritone Guitar/Backing vox--MoonStone Mike on DrumsALL MUSIC COMPOSED BY MONIQUE GRAJEDA; BMI OR ANTHONY BOLIN; BMI ALL LYRICS WRITEN BY DEBI RED; BMI----THESE SONGS AND ALL RAGG SONGS ARE COPYWRITIN----THANK YOU----PEACE AND RESPECT.