Customer Reviews

Aliens & Rainbows

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Ferras (Alquasi) has quite a challenge before him in trying not to become a one-hit wonder. Earlier this year he was exposed to millions with his single "Hollywood's Not America," as it was played night after night during "Hollywood Week" of American Idol's Season 7 cast-offs. So this American wonders is there more from Ferras that is worth listening to?

Twenty-Five year old Ferras gets his strikingly dark brooding looks from his Arab American father and European American mother. Born in southern Illinois, Ferras had to first overcome the break up of his parents at a young age, a kidnapping from his estranged Father who whisked him off to a foreign land, and his mother having to abduct him back into the USA. This was all very traumatic for a young half Mid-Eastern kid growing up in a mostly-white small town, he felt alienated and started creating his own world with music on a Casio keyboard. Ferras and his mother eventually settled in Santa Barbara, California. While hunting and auditioning for record deals he caught the ear of Limp Bizkit front-man Fred Durst who lead him to Capitol Music. Alquasi was discovered.

Ferras debut "Aliens and Rainbows" is a self exploration filled with his own thoughts, feelings, and experiences. His sound doesn't really fit into any one category. Though aimed at pop audiences there is a deeper path to his sound as he draws from various 70's British influences blending with the emo-esque tones of modern day storytellers. With a strong ferocious conviction he pounds eloquently on the piano through each track, with adequate string accompaniment, at times sounding exhausted in delivery but reeking all along with such overwhelming passion.

The opener "Liberation Day" (what a wonderful thing to throw your illusions away-it's Liberation day) is an anthem for any oppressed race, culture, or group. He then follows this with the title track that deals with his feelings of isolation, rebelling in lyric, that he would rather be alone with Aliens and Rainbows, than to conform to what is expected of him. The third cut in, "Something About You," sets the tone for the remainder of the set and feels as if it was lifted from a "Coldplay" outtake session, but Ferras's vocal quickly reminds you that it's not them and reels you back into his story.

My favorite track is "My Beautiful Life," which begins with dialog over light instruments. (When I'm up in the air, When I'm down on the floor, I could use a sharper knife, Is there anything else, Is there anything more, This is my beautiful life, And the poetry's crushing me) It's a dark tune, but as a songwriter, he goes back and forth in moods ranging from happy to sad, and many times this is felt within each individual song. "Aliens and Rainbows" is a very strong professional debut. I recommend it highly to anyone who likes to listen while reading the lyrics and become transported into the mind of an artist.

Much like everyone else watching American Idol, you heard the song "Hollywood's Not America" when aspiring idols were cast off, so like me, you went online to find out who sang that song! I heard a bit of Daughtry in Ferras' voice, but I knew it wasn't Daughtry, so luckily I found Ferras on Myspace and news that he had an album coming out! Of course I pre-ordered it and was so pleased when I got it! This singer/songwriter is a breath of fresh air and not all "candy coated loveliness singing" that can be so boring, he is raw, emotional, deeply poetic, happy, depressed, everything! I literally have listened to the album over and over again for several days. You can pick a song that suits the mood you are in and just feel in that moment that you are not alone. I love all the tracks, but the top songs that I put on repeat in the car are: Track 7 "My Beautiful Lie," "Take my Lips," "Aliens & Rainbows," "Hollywood's Not America," & "Everybody Bleeds The Same." Simply put, buy this album, you will listen to it over and over and over again, you will grow attached to certain tracks and often hum them in your head. The only criticism that I would give, being an Artist myself, is I wish the album cover was different, I think a black & white photo of Ferras would have been better than the colors, even though I get the whole "Rainbow" swirl thing. The art is just a little too "Andy Warhol 1960-1970's" and doesn't match the tone of the music. There is a better photo inside the sleeve and a bonus, all the lyrics are in there too! Just fold over the cover and use the other image and it's great! BUY IT! Trust a fellow artist and critic!:)

TIMELESS IN ITS'HONEST MESSAGES ABOUT BEING HUMAN...LOVING, SEEKING, WONDERING, SUFFERING...reaching out for help...and it may just wake you up...to life again

Unlike everyone else, I did not hear Ferras on American Idol; I heard of him on the radio. It took me forever to find out who he was and every since I found out I have been hooked. He has pure talent. His vocal range is unbelievable. I have heard him live and he sounds exactly as he does on his CD. All of the songs on his CD have meaning and anyone can relate to you. With each song you are drawn into his thoughts and feelings, which to me shows how great of an artist he is.

ONE OF THE MOST AMAZING RANGES I'VE EVER HEARD AND WHAT A VOICE. I LOVE THIS CD. YOU'LL "GET THE RAIN WHEN YOU WANT IT" - YOU KEEP GOING, KIDDO! I LOVE THIS CD. EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT VOICE. GREAT WRITER TOO.

i love every song on here. its refreshing to hear someone different who writes their own songs.

This is an awesome CD. I have been waiting for this to come out and it was well worth the wait. Ferras has an amazing voice. Some of the best songs: Aliens and Rainbows, Take My Lips, Liberation Day. A must have CD.

Totally new and different. Something for everyone. This guy's going all the way.

"She was a snowflake / I was an earthquake" - Ferras, 'Something About You'

Never since Matchbox Twenty debuted eons ago have I heard words so decadent and exciting before. Ferras, a student at Berklee college of music, knows his stuff, and it clearly shows. ALL, and I do mean EVERY single one of them, is a fantastic creation, with well-sung vocals, spot-on bridges and hooks, and hardhitting lyrics.

You may have heard "Hollywood's Not America" (who hasn't) but don't just judge his work based on that one song, for you'll be missing out on a lot if you do. My favorites are Rush [Acoustic], Something About You and My Beautiful Life. You'll be hardpressed to find another album (a debut, no less) out there that is as fantastic as this one.

Buy this album. You won't regret it, not one bit.

Fantastic album. I really love every song on here, even those that seem like the type of music I'm usually not that into. Ferras has an amazing voice and really puts a lot of emotion into everything he sings.