Break of Reality

What? A page dedicated to my favorite brilliant music anomaly? Would you expect any less from me?

As of the creation of this page, I have been listening to this band via my iPod on loop for 5 consecutive days. That’s a first, but I have reason behind it: The Experience.

Nothing I have listened to has affected my emotions in such a positive way as Break of Reality, a band made up of 3 Brilliant Cellists and their equally Brilliant Percussion Counterpart. Martin Torch-Ishii, Patrick Laird, Ivan Trevino and Philip Borter make up the most unique musical (and live performance) experience this author has ever had the honor to partake of. That includes sitting front and center at the Genesis Invisible Touch concert in California (worlds #1 Concert that year) and my all time favorite private dining experience in front of Sammy Davis Jr. (yeah, I think they’re that good).

I don’t want to take away from their website, so please go review the Band’s Bio’s right now and then come back for my personal review below. If you want even more detail about the band, check out the Wikipedia.org entry for this amazing talent.

Affectionately referred to as “cello rock”, Break of Reality became my favorite band of all time before the second song ‘Spectrum of the Sky’ had finished playing in my ears. The flow of emotions it evoked in me unlocked a creative burst I haven’t felt in a long time, filling my white board (which covers the entire wall span of my office) 3 times with ideas to build into The BIG Lagoon and Wanted Hero. The best way I can possibly describe the experience is ‘solidifying emotions’ (which still doesn’t do it justice–but I’ll keep pondering on it). The music made my heart swell and then gently surrounded me with those very same heightened emotions of the moment. No other music has done that for me and I don’t take that lightly.

From the way I’m talking, you soon be asking: “What, you going to tell us next that they’re the only great band out there?”

Good heavens no. You know me better than that. I’m just saying that if you don’t at least go to their website and try some samples of their talent, you’re missing out on an incredible musical experience. Hey, I can’t fix stupid.

My Personal BoR Concert Experience:

Determined to drive or fly to the next concert available on the West Coast, I started looking for the Band online. YouTube videos just made me bounce in my chair with excitement (not pretty sight, I assure you) until I finally made my way to their web site. The goal: find the bands tour schedule.  I think I scared Simon in the living room, playing with his train set when daddy started screaming like a mad man for his oldest siblings to come downstairs.  The next concert event was just 2+ short hours from my home, the following Monday!!

Nothing happens by accident. I had already snuck my iPod into the Crocodile HQ and slipped it into my partners iPod base of her home stereo. The powerful sounds of BoR infiltrated the entire mansion as every person present asked ‘What the HECK are you playing!? This is incredible!!’

With one song, I got the interest of the whole company…even the founder, who was still in Australia.

Ok, back to the story…With cheers of glee throughout our home and my wife thinking we’re all nuts, we planned for the 2+ hour drive to the University of Utah in Logan to attend the concert. My 95 hour work week left me a tad tired, so I equipped myself with piping hot coffee in one holder and a 32 oz Pepsi in the other. Filled the tank and hit the road with hoots and laughter, BoR blaring. Never been to USU before–beautiful campus. We got there in time to grab seats before all the students piled in. Always talking business (since my business is YOU), the kid in charge (how he got the job still has me puzzled) took me and my tribe backstage to meet Martin Torch-Ishii. We were STOKED!

The first impression was stupidity. Not Martin’s–MINE. I didn’t know what the flip to say!! ME, the genetic talker!! I know I fumbled and said something (I think I pointed at my ‘TBL Admin #1′ T-Shirt) and then smiled. Martin was a humble and very polite man, which gave me even deeper appreciation for the band. My 13 year old son Nathan kept raising his hand to shake Martins which was promptly slapped down by his older sister (who was also staring and smiling at Martin).

Ack!…ok, so first impressions probably bit the dust (sorry Torch). However, we were still there to see our favorite band and we were ready…

I was by far the oldest person in the crowd and received a LOT of curious looks as I sat with this group of young people, who could easily pass for my kids. Ok, they were my kids, but you get the point. I kept looking around, waving at people and leaning forward, whispering ‘You DO realize who you’re about to see…right?’

Yup, they thought I was nuts. Nothing new.

The men took the stage and delivered my favorite live performance of all time (of any genre). Again, yes…I think they’re that good. In fact, it shocked me. Break of Reality is so much better live than their brilliant recordings. That doesn’t happen often (why I loved Genesis so much).

First off, there is no fear in these performers. The first impression you get is their love, passion and joy for the music they create. Every motion of their arms and nod of their heads grab your attention and locks you into the synergistic world of their act. Martin displays a disciplined, masterful elegance to his performance. Philip looks like he’s riding and navigating atop the very music he’s making with each draw of his bow. Both are very enjoyable to watch. Yet I guarantee you will notice a chemistry above all others: Ivan and Patrick. Their non-verbal interaction and connection throughout a concert is something you can’t miss. You can tell they’re old buddies having a blast. You’ll find yourself smiling with them and rocking your head as they pull the musical strings.

After the third song I couldn’t help but scream “GO TREE!!” (Patricks a.k.a.), to which [I believe] he heard and smiled to. Yet I noticed a problem: the crowd was SO excited, but too reserved to show it. So me and my kids decided to help them. Cheering, screaming, shouting, laughing out loud and hooting. By the end of the concert, everyone in the crowd was screaming at the top of their lungs. We were actually approached and thanked by several college students for ‘being loud and giving them permission to do the same’.

Hehehe….anytime.

The band came out and mixed with the crowd afterward, signing CD’s and talking to an overly impressed and excited wave of new groupie converts. Smart kids.

Nathan and Leilani had their hats signed by the band and Evan scrambled to find a scrap of paper for his own autographs, while I introduced myself. Smart, humble, approachable and down to earth, this is the very type of talent Crocodiles looks for and why The BIG Lagoon is being created: to support and empower people to pursue their dreams and goals which makes the world a better place in which to live. The only part about the night that disappointed me, was not being in a stadium with 10,000 screaming fans. Guys, I promise to work on that for you.

Thank you for giving us the single greatest entertainment night to date.

I was asked after the concert what my favorite BoR song was.
Gentlemen, you are the only band I have ever been able to say this:

‘Whatever song I happen to be listening to at the time.’

Yes, I believe you’re that good.
(BTW, still got you on loop =))

Jaime D. Buckley

P.S.: For those of you we called, invited, encouraged and said they would show up, but didn’t…there’s special little hell reserved for people who don’t keep their commitments on purpose. We’ll pray for you. =D

*All pictures are ©Copyright 2010 Break of Reality. All Rights reserved. Pictures obtained from www.breakofreality.com for this article.