Another Great Rocklahoma Band; Aranda Releases New CD

Not The Same
by Oklahoma's Aranda

Of all the bands to grace the main stage at Rocklahoma 2015, none seemed to enjoy themselves as much as Aranda.  This Oklahoma-based post-grundge duo started off Sunday’s show in the best possible way.  Covering every inch of the massive stage, brothers Dameon and Gabe Aranda energized the audience and gave everyone who came early an energy packed performance which was a fantastic reward for the dedication of their fans. 

Guitarist Dameon Aranda

Singer Gabe Aranda

Following that incredible show, Aranda has now released their newest album, Not The Same.  I spent the morning listening to this amazing collection of music over and over, and I could not be more impressed. While Gabe and Dameon have not invented a new genre of music, what they have done is perfected the sound.  They belong in the same sentence with Seether and 10 Years. Gabe's voice is as inspiring as Jesse Hasek's and Dameon can play the guitar with the likes of anyone, including Shaun Morgan.  Their hard work and dedication has paid off in terms of quality in both song writing and delivery.

Aranda's outstanding new album, Not the Same

The Aranda brothers; Dameon (left) and Gabe

Not the Same gets started with “We Are The Enemy” hitting hard from the first note to the last.  The second song, the title track, “Not the Same” is a tribute to the incredible vocal talents of Gabe Aranda.  The album then serves up “Don’t Wake Me,” which was released on YouTube a few months back, and is simply a fantastic song which puts them at the pinnacle of their genre. The song "Dead Man Running" really highlights Dameon's talented guitar work.

The album continues with some quality collections. The power ballad “Stay” is another testament to the strength of Gabe’s voice.  “Center of the Universe” is a nod to their blues influences and is probably my favorite song on the album.  The theme of the album is moving on from the past and going forth into your future.  This is such a much-needed message for everyone struggling with anything holding them back and the songs are uplifting.

The truth is that I had not heard of Aranda before Rocklahoma, and while previewing the lineup   I was definitely intrigued by Aranda's sound and made them a “must see band” on my schedule.    I was certainly not disappointed as they were one of the most entertaining bands to play the entire weekend.  And, as pointed out before, they had as much fun on that stage as anyone did; whether you were an entertainer, fan, photographer, or mudpit mosher.

Aranda is officially listed as a two-piece band made up of brothers Gabe and Dameon Aranda.  They have played together since they were young, and their live shows demonstrate just how comfortable they are performing together, both in terms of music and stage presence.  They will be touring with 3 Doors Down and Seether this summer and you would be foolish to miss this show or to get there late.  Aranda is one of those opening bands that really should be a headliner.

From their Wind Up Records page, Dameon Aranda says, “We want to create high energy, keep rocking, keep everybody entertained. We want to involve the audience and make it fun for them. Our hope is that you’ll keep coming back for more.”  All I can say from both their show at Rocklahoma and from the sounds of their new CD, “Mission Accomplished.”

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Zoe Adler is a music journalist from Long Beach, California. Besides her website, which is her pride and joy, she works with the GRAMMY Foundation and the Long Beach Independent. Additionally, Ms. Adler is a musician, spending half of her time playing the flute, piccolo, trombone, and marching baritone. She has been with TeenView Music since the very start and hopes to make something of it in the future.