Flavor filled Five Flavors of Dumb Review

At last, a book that’s not filled with the same pop culture fluff littering bookshelves across America. Five Flavors of Dumb by Antony John is indeed one of the most revolutionary books I have ever read.

At first, I thought the book to be another boring story about a band and the struggles they faced but then came to the actualization as to why this plot was so awesome upon reading to the bottom of page five. Now, giving away what I discovered would only ruin the surprise and defeat the purpose of my writing this review.
The story takes place in a suburb of Seattle, Wash., where 18-year-old Piper finds that her big mouth gets her in trouble and leads to her becoming manager of a local rock band called Dumb. Yes, really, the band’s name is Dumb.
To Piper the name of the band could not be more befitting. The members consist of an egotistical pretty boy, a silent rocker, a talentless model-type, an in-need-of-anger-management guitarist and a geeky drummer boy. At first, the band was two flavors short of being one big happy sundae, but when all five come together, that’s when the magic starts--or maybe the chaos.
The challenge? Getting these five unlikely teens their first paying gig. The deal? A chance to get a share of the profits. The catch? Finding this out requires reading the book.
Usually I would have passed a book like this up without a second glance, but instead decided to give it a try, and I’m glad I did. John’s novel truly took me by surprise with its raw sense of normalcy.
The novel has a roller coaster of realness with its inclusion of actual teen situations and not the Hollywood grandeur of what teens want to read. But the real kicker is, teens would actually want to read the book because it is that good.
Five Flavors of Dumb has a great deal of finesse, and I highly recommend this book to both guys and girls. I mean really, we all need a little Dumb in our lives. That’s what keeps things interesting.

Shirock's debut release shows an evolution in the making

With an onslaught of recent political events inspiring people around the world, there is no better time to witness the inevitable change on the horizon with the aid of a band such as Shirock.  

Based out of Nashville, Tenn., Shirock is a five-piece band whose influences in the younger stages were Smashing Pumpkins and U2. The band includes Chuck Shirock on vocals/guitar/ piano, Pap Shirock on vocals/keyboard, Adam Gatchel on drums/percussion, Kevin Whitsett on bass and Dylan Williams on guitar.

This young band sends out an uplifting message to the younger generations, hoping to inspire change and make its mark on the music scene. It also capitalizes on the power of rock and roll to get its message heard.

Its debut album Everything Burns takes to heart the bold, canticle songs that are teeming with turbulent urgency and wistful certainty. Not only can this sound be heard in the glorious sweeping melodies, but also in the powerful combination of gritty guitar riffs and wailing vocals.  

According to an interview with Chuck Shirock upon the release, “The songs on the album—they’re our lives, our relationships, our friendships within the band. They’re our pursuit of trying to figure out life, who we are ...  and how it all makes sense. It’s all of that put to music.”
One of the best aspects of this band other than its awesome music is that it doesn’t just sing about making a difference. The members actually make a difference with their non-profit organization Everything Burns to encourage fans to help those in need.
According the the band’s website, the organization has graced high schools and colleges across the nation spreading the message of “‘live for the things that matter’ by making a practical difference in their communities and around the globe.”
As if that weren’t enough, the band has also launched its own Nashville-based clothing-line, Irock Clothing, which features apparel and accessories and is also sold on the band’s website. The line has also managed to sell out at every boutique in Nashville that carries the brand.

At the end of 2009, Shirock became the first independent band to release a CD in Hollister Co. stores around the world. Its music took to customers so quickly that in mid-2010 the band had to re-order over 10,000 copies of Everything Burns to keep up with the demand.

To top off the band’s enterprising, it launched a company called The Movement Group, which houses every aspect of Shirock, including their independent record label. The Movement Group partnered with Sony, RED Distribution and Creative Entertainment Network to launch the label division to take the songs on Everything Burns to a new level.

With this being said, control over every aspect of their music allows Shirock to keep all of its music genuine to itself. This dynamic game plan makes Shirock a band to look forward to hearing from very soon. From the fancy packaging of the CD to the amazing music, Shirock surely rocks.