The Cauze
"Maybe I am just scared to love you."
(These guys have a fantastic press kit! Everything I need was there, song lyrics, bio, the photography was great and a sticker. Wow! Very professional.)
The self-titled CD is written and performed by Jeff Ellis. When I see this on a CD label it runs up a red flag for me. Too often the resulting music is stagnant, redundant inbreeding; but that is not true with this CD. Jeff Ellis has instead created music with his own perspective ending with an excellent interpretation of what he wanted his music to say.
Track #4 “Change” captured my heart. This ballad is a seductive jewel among the aggressive driving rock music. The beautifully haunting lyrics and music come together to form a mood that swept me away. “Nothing ever stays the same you know there is only room for change.”
"Maybe I am just scared to love you." (Trying not to go all fan-girl on you, but I absolutely love this song. )
Track #2 “Last Call Woman” grabs with you with the guitar. It is amazing how that guitar makes me want to get up and move. The way it is played and the way the piece is written really does it for me.
Track #6 “Hearts on Fire” is very unexpected and uplifting message. "Hearts on fire, Open up and let Him lead the way, never thirst again." Excellent lyrics played with a rich, full, upbeat sound that gets the message across without being maudlin.
My one criticism: Jeff Ellis has a crisp clear voice but I would have liked for the vocal tracks to be brought forward more on some of the tracks.
If you like full bodied, original, melodic hard driving rock you will like this CD.
My Space: The Cauze
Website: The Cause Band.com
Bio: (provided by The Cauze)
THE CAUZE is an Original Hard Commercial Rock Band with a melodic style and big energetic hooks. They are based out of Southern California.
Jeff Ellis formed the THECAUZE in January 2005 after recording 12 of his originals. Jeff wrote all the music and lyrics arranged, produced and performed all the tracks. He decided after recording he wanted to perform his music live and started putting ads out in the Recycler. THE CAUZE has been very supportive of Jeff’s music.
The songs are very expressive which are driven by melodic harmony vocals with big hooks and are complimented with melodic hard ailing guitar solos. This is all showcased in their high energetic live stage shows.
Jeff Ellis grew up in Newport Beach, California. He learned how to play left-handed guitar by the age of 7 and would be performing in his first rock band by 14 years old. During this time Jeff gave guitar lessons to Charlie Colin the original member from the band “TRAIN”. During Jeff’s freshman and sophomore year in high school he was in a band called “IMPACT” which included Rob Hotchkiss, original band member from “Train”. During he years Jeff performed for other Original Rock Bands including “FALSE ALARM” who were based in Naples, Florida, he opened up for “POISON” and “Great White”. Jeff took a break and decided it was time to record his own music and has received a great response from his CD and shows. He now resides in Azusa (Canyon), California.
Joel Ellis resides in Monrovia, California. He graduated from La Cresenta High School in La Cresenta, California. Joel learned to play guitar at age 18 ahs had been playing the LA Circuit. He has been collecting guitar picks and guitars for many years.
Kevin Crider originally from Northern California now resides in Los Angeles, California. He is known for his energetic bass playing and moves on stage. Kevin plays 10 instruments, but his main focus is the bass. Kevin produced and played on a CD called “SIGNITURES” which had guest players such as: Ronnie Montros, Rick Derringer, Pat Travers, Steve Morse, Clarence Clemmons and more. Kevin also used to be in a band with the lead guitar layer from LED ZAPAGAIN and they remain friends today.
Bernie (BernDog) was born in Los Angeles, California and grew up in Alhambra, California. Graduated from Alhambra High School and now resides in West Covina, California. Born with the itch to BANG on something, he taught himself to play drums and has been playring from High School to now. Rock drumming is his passion from Led ZEPPLIN to RUSH to the current music that’s played on the radio. He has a varied background that includes solo projects, stints in Classic Rock Bands, studio work, parties and conventions.
THE CAUZE are now performing live, they have opened for the following international acts: Eric Martin- MR. BIRG, Y&T, Stephen Pearcy – RATT, The Atomic Punks, The Hollywood Allstars, Led Zapagain, and Jeff Scott Soto. THE CAUZE also performs their live set for local venues “The Whiskey A Go Go”, “The Paladino’s Club”, “The Galaxy”, “The Pitcher House” to name a few in Los Angeles and Orange County.