You never knew you loved... Cello rock stringing music together
Guitars have been canon in rock instrumentation for half a century, ever since the Elvis Presleys supplanted the Jerry Lee Lewis' piano-based rock. Challenging this convention is cello rock, where stringed instruments are plucked, bowed, and even distorted to drive the music alongside, or in the complete absence of, guitars.
Ranging from rock to neoclassical metal to adult contemporary ballads, cello rock runs the gammut. Less a genre in and of itself than a style, there is bound be an iteration of the style to satisfy anyone's taste.
Because of the timbre of the instruments used, there is often a Gothic sound to the music, regardless of whichever genre it may imitate, which is why it lends itself so well to dark cabaret and more alternative forms of rock and metal.
While true cello rock bands have orchestral string instruments in the lead (most commonly, though not necessarily, celli), there are many other bands on the periphery that include orchestral instruments in most of their repertoire, but as more of a compliment than a feature.
One such example is Darling Violetta who, especially in their early work, often featured a cello as a supporting instrument, though not often as the primary. As well, the orchestral parts were not necessarily melody or harmony, but often wolf tones that slid up and down octaves to provide atmosphere rather than a tune.
Cello rock developed more out of classical music than rock, with most musicians receiving conservatory training for their instruments and then applying the techniques to more current styles. In fact, its origins more closely related to Russian and German early 20th century classical music than rock and roll's North American blues and hillbilly roots.
Given the range of genres associated with cello rock, getting a taste for the sound can be achieved via the familiar as easily as the foreign. For a head start, try one of these:
Ranging from rock to neoclassical metal to adult contemporary ballads, cello rock runs the gammut. Less a genre in and of itself than a style, there is bound be an iteration of the style to satisfy anyone's taste.
Because of the timbre of the instruments used, there is often a Gothic sound to the music, regardless of whichever genre it may imitate, which is why it lends itself so well to dark cabaret and more alternative forms of rock and metal.
While true cello rock bands have orchestral string instruments in the lead (most commonly, though not necessarily, celli), there are many other bands on the periphery that include orchestral instruments in most of their repertoire, but as more of a compliment than a feature.
One such example is Darling Violetta who, especially in their early work, often featured a cello as a supporting instrument, though not often as the primary. As well, the orchestral parts were not necessarily melody or harmony, but often wolf tones that slid up and down octaves to provide atmosphere rather than a tune.
Cello rock developed more out of classical music than rock, with most musicians receiving conservatory training for their instruments and then applying the techniques to more current styles. In fact, its origins more closely related to Russian and German early 20th century classical music than rock and roll's North American blues and hillbilly roots.
Given the range of genres associated with cello rock, getting a taste for the sound can be achieved via the familiar as easily as the foreign. For a head start, try one of these:
Jorane: Based out of Montreal, Jorane has only recently begun to shift from French to English music. Her style is often compared to the more emotionally haunting styles of Tori Amos. Her first English album, 2005's The You and The Now featured the alternative ballad Stay.
Apocalyptica: Hailing from Finland, this group consists of four cellists, and despite their thrash metal influences, didn't include a drummer until 2003, 10 years into the band's career. Lyrics aren't a mainstay; vocalists are usually hired for single tours and shows. Listen to Path off their 2000 release, Cult.
