Local spins

Amok
‘The Evolution Of Chaos’

Combining synth textures, spoken word pieces and a barrage of melodic mayhem, Amok displays a blend of creativity that lifts “The Evolution of Chaos” above most run-of-the-mill metal releases. Singer Travis (the band uses first names only) has a vocal quality not unlike that of Tool’s Maynard James Keenan, able to go from the beautiful to the brutal in one fell swoop, delicately singing melodic passages then screaming viciously on others.

The bands lyrics are challenging, as many of the songs contain religious imagery and symbolism that illustrate the group's issues with faith. The disc has an overall eerie vibe, best displayed on “Unraveled,” which begins with a pulsating synth and a spoken word piece by Charles Manson culled from a parole hearing, then lifts off into a punishing speed metal burst. The band never forgets the melodies, however, making this disc a challenging and rewarding listen. B

Next show: 9 p.m. Saturday at Ziggy's Rock and Roll Lounge, 414 S. Mill Ave., Tempe, . $5.
Web site: www.amok1.com

— by Chris Holly, Get Out

Matt Beem
‘The Way These People Drive, You’d Think They Want me Dead’

Everyone appreciates a sensitive guy with a guitar — just so long as that sensitivity doesn’t creep into emotionally unstable territory. It’s a delicate line, and one that singer/songwriter Matt Beem sometimes struggles to straddle throughout his latest effort, “The Way These People Drive ...” For the most part, the 10-track album is upbeat, witty and fun. Songs like “Dolphins Don’t Build Casinos” and the title track are a little inane, but fun, showcasing Beem’s off-beat sense of humor.

But they also reveal some serious insecurities and vulnerabilities, asking such tough questions as: “Could someone please show me the way to the truth and the life?” Maybe that’s what makes other singer/songwriters like Pete Yorn so appealing — he’s sensitive, but he doesn’t pose these great philosophical questions that only make the listener’s head hurt.

A thinking man is attractive; an overthinker is not. In some of the slower tunes, Beem gets even more introspective. In “Heidi’s Song,” for example he sings, “It’s a curse, somebody kill this little boy so I can make room for the man.” Ironically, the song also features the line, “The way that I try to shine my heart light, only to illuminate my head case.” Umm, yes. Beem’s at his best when he’s being silly and fun; the rest of the time he’s just kind of a downer. C+

Next show: 9 p.m. Saturday at Undici Undici, 1111 S. Longmore, Mesa, . $5, all ages.
Web site: www.mattbeem.com

— by Adrienne Frank, Get Out