The Autonomous Region is a dynamic San Francisco-based urban rock band presenting original music reflective of the unique Bay Area experience that is assimilated through their music and lyrics. Vocalist and songwriter Caroline Cabading leads an eclectic blend of musicians. Veterans of the music wars Chet Canlas (guitar), Tyrone Davis (drums), Phil Ergina (bass) and Ron Quesada (guitar) back the colorful and enigmatic Cabading while performing a high-test blend of alternative rock peppered with jazz and fused with many other genres to create their own unique sound that remains difficult to define and impossible to put in a box.

The band also releases their music on their own indie label Malaya Records.

With their recent release "Forbidden City," the eclectic quintet takes the best of both worlds of politics and music and brings forth a melting pot of recordings to their listeners. Just like their home city San Francisco, The Autonomous Region is many things rolled into one tightly wrapped package. They are the offspring of the city and its raw-edged urban scene and their songs reflect that energy and atmosphere with a mixture of Alternative Rock, Metal, Punk, and Jazz that appeals to a huge cross section of music lovers.

One moment lead singer Caroline Cabading sounds like an angry Patti Smith in full bloom on stage at CBGB’s in the 70’s and in the next instance a jazz crooner whispering subtleties to her lover. To their credit they keep it interesting and you never know what the next track has in store.

Their messages are heartfelt and powerful getting behind their lyrics and melodies that carry a strong commitment to social conscience and political empowerment that make every track a well thought out journey for each individual listener to interpret.

The “attitude” of The Autonomous Region is for real and it always serves as a spearhead to great music. These core competencies as musicians and realists are what drive them to create songs worth hearing and pondering while endearing them to an ever growing legion of fans eager to support their music and cause.

The phrase “from a scream to a whisper” provides some insight into the range of the eclectic San Francisco band know as The Autonomous Region. Composed of five veteran musicians from diverse backgrounds, their music embraces influences of alternative rock, metal, punk, jazz, urban, R&B, and reggae.

Vocalist Caroline Cabading, who is the driving force behind a lot of the CD’s writing and production, fronts the group. The band also includes Chet Canlas on guitar, drummer Tyrone Davis, Phil Ergina on bass, and Ron Quesada who was added as a second guitarist after the making of this CD.

"Forbidden City" opens with a heavy rocker called “Don’t Tread On Me” which highlights the harder edge of the group’s musical spectrum. Aspects of Caroline’s singing style have been compared to 70’s punk era vocalist Patti Smith’s, and this song is a good example. The band puts the pedal to the metal and gets the album started with some serious attitude. This song as well as a number of others on the CD, reflect a high level of social awareness and political empowerment. From there, the band drops out of overdrive into a considerably more laid back ska-influenced tune called “Took My Breath Away" that goes through some interesting changes as it evolves. The album’s third track “Sunset Beach” also follows the pattern of introducing some unexpected elements in the various parts of the song. Starting out as a jangly alt. rock ballad guitarist Chet Canlas kicks on the fuzz and wah pedals adding some razor’s edge tone that provides an interesting contrast to what we’ve been hearing up till then. At this point, one begins to get a sense that The Autonomous Region is a multi-faceted prism capable of reflecting light through it’s various surfaces.

The range of styles exhibited in just the first three songs is definitely expanded on as the album unfolds. From jazzy grooves to heavy rock, the band explores diverse musical terrain with intensity and spirit. On an album of all original music, one of the big surprises, for me was their interesting cover of the Jefferson Airplane’s psychedelic classic “White Rabbit.” Starting out with a quasi-Eastern vibe, it soon ignites into a heavy metal-influenced rocker before evolving into yet other stylistic changes. One of the more unusual aspects of their version is that after going through all the lyrics of the song followed by a mystical sounding guitar solo, Caroline creates another verse, adding to the song with some of her own original lyrics.

The band sounds like they have been playing together for a while and in addition to some nice guitar work by Chet, who was also active in the album’s writing and arranging, I was impressed by the rhythm section of Tyrone Davis and Phil Ergina who provide a firm foundation for the group to groove on. But much of the spotlight here is focused on the powerful and expressive vocals of Caroline who brings a lot of the spice and above-mentioned “attitude” to the full range of material on the album. Although they have been compared to PJ Harvey, The Red Hot Chilli Peppers, and others, The Autonomous Region has their own distinct sound which screams at one moment and whispers in the next yet maintains it’s own brand of musical autonomy throughout.

Michael Diamond
June 26, 2009
ReviewYou.com

Autonomous is defined as a person's capacity for self-determination in the context of moral choices. In moral and political philosophy, autonomy is often used as the basis for determining moral responsibility for one's actions. But wait, this is a music review right? The Autonomous Region enters the Forbidden City and gives the local residents an earful. That being said, how does this relate to an alt punk rock CD?

Everything about the word autonomous applies here and I think the lyrics surrounding their powerful music make a statement, one that can be heard by anyone within earshot, this means you Forbidden City. All dictionary definitions and political intonations aside, this is very cool music.

The centerpiece for this band is Caroline Cabading, a mysterious singer that reminded me of The Motels lead singer Martha Davis at times. She delivers their lyrics with an edge whether it needs an “in your face fist waving oomph” (“Don’t Tread On Me") or a tender touch that is sexy and inviting (“I Can’t Help”). Her voice can be beautiful and smooth or hard and angry like on the opening track “Don’t Tread On Me.” She screams “Don’t tread on me, Here I’m not your f****ing maid, and then “Here my skin I do not fade.” This says in no uncertain terms-You are going to hear or “here” me whether you want to or not. There is attitude galore here and justified anger but also a resolution in their angry lyrical prose. This is where the word autonomous applies in a big way. Just listen to “Shine”, it tells the story and their rhetoric is clearly defined through their musical messages.

With the variety of communications they are transmitting they pepper it all with music that offers just as much change and energy. I heard metal and punk on the Jefferson Airplane classic “White Rabbit”. This is the up to date version, a jump from the late sixties to present day society and all its complexities. It’s not hard to hear all of that angst in the track if you listen with open ears…the heart and mind will follow in due time. I know Grace Slick would be proud of this rendition. “Took My Breath Away” has a reggae jazz feel to it and “I-Hotel” is just a flat out rocker with a big guitar sound.

Cabading sounds like she would comfortable singing jazz songs in a nightclub or screaming out song after song at The Headbanger’s Ball. With the harder edged songs I detected a bit of a strain and some off key notes although I am sure they are intended to be that way, it sure sounds like it fits. And really, you can’t deliver a socially conscious message like they have by whispering sweet nothings, so in the end it totally works.

All of this is made possible by the solid backing provided by Chet Canlas (guitar), Tyrone Davis (drums), and Phil Ergina (bass). Ron Quesada was added as a second guitar after the release of this CD.
Forbidden City is all about cultural diversity and an open mind, screw the political correctness crap and speak the truth, and while were at it everyone can have some fun and rock out. If this is what you seek then The Autonomous Region has your answer.

Keith “MuzikMan” Hannaleck
June 5, 2009
©MuzikReviews.com