"...one thing that stands out is that the lyrical quality and overall tone of the album..."
Author: Bijhan Valibeigi
March 2011

Often some of the most important music of an era is produced by those who are raised in an epoch of change – often tumultuous and difficult change. Europe is currently in an identity crisis as ancient nations have their populations swell with those of Asian descent. While once seen as an immigration issue, a whole generation of men and women of Asian ancestry have been born and raised in Europe, calling the continent home. As the headlines of newspapers carry stories as devastating as the 7/7 and Madrid bombings, as glib as the UK's Halal controversy, or somewhere in between like the Danish cartoon controversy, it may seem as though Europe is divided between its white and brown natives. Yet as much as traditional infrastructure, such as newspapers and trains, plays a role in the conflicts that separate Europeans, it is the advent of the internet that has opened the eyes of the world to their immediate neighbors. Acts such as the UK's Entrofeed have been forming across the world, proving music can cross any barrier, real or perceived.

Entrofeed is a hard alternative rock band with both Asian and British members, with Persian-heritage guitar player and vocalist Alireza Akhlaghi interweaving his native language into the music seamlessly; although the majority of the music is performed in English. The band is clearly internet-savvy, having cultivated an impressive following across the world in a short amount of time using social media. They also surround themselves with other talented people, as the artwork and photography on their media proves.

The music is a triumph of skill and timing. The guitar-driven style seems to rely on more North American influences such as Creed, Nickleback, and Sum 41, but present a much wider array of tones and deeper sound than said bands. There are so many layered instruments that the listener is left with no white space at all – a full aesthetic experience. The simplistic sustained guitar solos are reminiscent of an earlier Weezer, while some of the vocals could at points evoke images of System of a Down; and yet there are other points, such as the track “Edit Undo”, where there simply is no comparison to anything else one has heard before.

One thing that stands out is that the lyrical quality and overall tone of the album lacks the maturity of a more seasoned group of artists. The topics explored are commonly those that have been well explored before, and Entrofeed appears to amplify the emotional intensity of the work at the expense of any warmth or charm. This is a common attribute of both traditional Persian and northern European music and is characteristic of bands such as Creed and Nickleback. Some prefer this soaring emotionalism, while others have managed to find a meaningful middle ground.

However, the band represents a great hope for a world standing on what some see as a great divide. They are artists of exceptional skill, both in music and utilizing the newly established digital frontier. If they can continue to grow as artists and individuals, they have a rare opportunity to erase some of the perceived boundaries around us.