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Bach, Mozart, Haydn … Metallica? For classically trained cello rock band, Break of Reality, who were recently featured in the Baruch Performing Arts Center's 55 Underground series, the usual repertoire certainly does not apply. "We try to think outside the box and find ways to experiment with different sounds and genres," says percussionist Ivan Trevino.
Formed in 2003 at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester, NY, the band began as a side project for cellists Patrick Laird, Erin Keesecker and Chris Thibdeau. Jeff Hood, an original member, left the group in 2004. Break of Reality soon morphed into its current form when Trevino joined in 2004.
Due to Eastman's emphasis on classical music, the band was understandably apprehensive about how they would be received. "We didn't want to tell our teachers at first," joked Trevino, "but once we started building a fan base, the school was willing to take us under their wing."
Inspired in part by the Finnish cello metal group, Apocalyptica, Break of Reality has performed several covers by bands like Metallica and System of a Down, but still have a strong focus on their own original pieces, which are as varied as the members' own musical tastes. "Our interests are really across the boards. We're not all metal heads," says Trevino.
While some songs on their second and most recent album, The Sound Between (their first album, Voiceless, is officially un-released but can be requested through their website) have a clear heavy metal edge, others are more classically influenced.
Some, such as the track "Circles," which has a Middle Eastern flair, have a unique qualities that defy conventional labels, and conventional audiences. "It's so strange, because there are young people in college and high school and older classical fans at our shows. All the demographics come together - partly because we play instrumental music," says Trevino.
Known for their thunderous sound - and coined by fans, "Heavy Cello Thunder" - the band plays acoustic shows (with three cellos and an African drum called a djembe) and electric shows (with three amplified cellos and a drum set), both of which are featured on The Sound Between.
While the group holds workshops and performs at many high schools and colleges in the New York area, they have also performed at popular New York rock clubs such as Joe's Pub and The Knitting Factory, along with various venues ranging from the Times Square subway station to the Bethesda Fountain in Central Park.
This past winter, the band had the opportunity to bring their music to Texas as part of a tour that took them to many schools in the state, including some smaller towns, like Trevino's hometown of Victoria. "We like to play in places where there is not a lot of music," says Trevino.
What does the future hold for Break of Reality? After a busy year of performing since their graduation from Eastman in 2007 (with the exception of Trevino, who graduated in 2006), the group is planning to take a break from the spotlight to compose new material for their next album. "We might release a double disk with seven original tracks and seven covers," says Trevino.
The band is also considering holding a showcase concert next year at the Highland Ballroom, located in Manhattan. Several members are even planning to go on to graduate school, including Trevino, who is returning to Eastman later this year.
"We're really focused on preserving instrumental music," says Trevino, echoing the band's hope to promote music education and encourage students to think about music in new ways.
Hopefully, with the ability to draw recital hall crowds to the mosh pit, Break of Reality will continue to redefine musical conventions for years to come. Yo-Yo Ma, eat your heart out.
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