With group members from one end of Canada to another, local rockers Avidas are creating a wave of followers right here in London. Avidas (from the Latin word "ardent") means "passionate" and that's exactly the emotion that this female-fronted band is trying to generate. Their sound is not unlike Evanescence: an attractive, introspective female vocalist with a very talented vocal range that lends itself to a progressive rock and orchestral sound. It is a sure bet that Avidas will garner the attention that they deserve.

Besides physical and musical similarities to Amy Lee, singer Donna Root parallels Lee by being joined with an all-male group. Though she was raised in Newfoundland, the other members - Neil Root (drums), Graehme Floyd (lead guitar), Rob Wright (lead and rhythm guitar), and Scott Williams (bass) - are all from southwestern Ontario.

As indicated on Myspace.com and Reverbnation.com, their music is "a unique blend of gripping, angelic, powerful vocals mixed over top of hard hitting, progressive riffs, melodic solos, ethereal ambience and orchestral rock." The passion that Avidas found with their Latin name oozes both the positive and negative elements of life, and this ambiguity pours from their music. Their goal, they say, is to impact fans in a way that will leave them feeling like they can accomplish anything and that even in the toughest of times, there is always hope.

Fitting for a time like the present. Their touring schedule kicks off on November 5 at 7:30 p.m. at The Coffee House at 590 Gainsborough Road. The Coffee House is a place where musicians of all genres can come and play to help raise money for outreach in the community. Cost is a $5 cover.

Two days later, they are performing in Hamilton, on November 7. They are in Tillsonburg at Norma Jean's on November 18 and then back to London December 2 for a 9 p.m. show at Norma Jean's.

With lyrics such as "I made up my mind you'll see / I'll draw the lines that I hear / trusting what I believe / this is the key to being / It's all that I wanted / I want to be free," (from their song Free) it's clear Avidas is composing a sound that is all their own and trying to establish positive creativity.