Gleaming with a presence that casts all preconceptions aside, Indianapolis-… Read Full Bio ↴Gleaming with a presence that casts all preconceptions aside, Indianapolis-based Xero Sum offer a stirring, driving and determined approach to modern hard rock that’s remarkably captivating. As invigorating as it is entertaining, the fivesome’s sound and vision teems with an unpretentious charisma that’s strikingly magnetic. Something this encouraging deserves its day to shine.

Formed in early 2004 by drummer Gabe Senour along with guitarist Trinity Martin and since departed member Joe VanMeter, Xero Sum was soon completed by vocalist KJ Testin and bassist Brian Lewis. Together the group quickly established themselves with a notably explosive live show that garnered a considerable hometown following. Over the last three years the quintet has not only welcomed guitarist Dustin Green into the fold but also set their sights on developing an arsenal of songs with a powerful-yet-far-reaching appeal. This Concrete Heart, Xero Sum’s debut full-length, is the direct result of that aspiration.

Highlighted by Testin’s compelling appeal, the twelve-track effort sees her passionately weave stories ripped direct from personal journals. With hardly any sense of self-righteousness, she’s an open book of life’s ups and downs where even moments of tension, doubt and disillusionment always come with an underlying impression of hope. Adding to the feel of every song are Testin’s bandmates who provide swirling and surging sonics to match the lyrical muse. The album’s already produced a breakout single in “Wasted Away”, and with its interplay between vigorously catchy riffage and enticing vocal hooks it’s easy to understand why local new rock alternative station WRZX X103 put Xero Sum into rotation.

This Concrete Heart is also a record that’s very much immersed in mood. Intimate details about romantic relationships, personal politics and inner demons are boldly laid out on the table throughout the CD’s dozen cuts. The ache that’s so movingly apparent in “Apology” couldn’t be anymore sincere as the distressed refrains of “I wrote this song for you but you're not listening” tug at the heartstrings in tandem with some great songwriting that scores big in capturing essence. The brooding, rhythmic mid-pace of “For What It’s Worth” is every bit the slow-burning seethe of disrespect while “My Naivety” connects further as weighty, charging guitars propel more confrontational sentiments. The distinct chemistry Xero Sum shares is undeniable and their solid playing skills - especially that of sticksman Senour during “All The While” - even allow them to rework A-HA’s classic “80s pop hit “Take On Me” into a fairly respectable cover that might just get them radio play yet again.

But when all is said and done something quickly becomes clear about This Concrete Heart and Xero Sum. There’s more than a glimmer of hope here when it comes to having a bright future.

- via MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/xerosum

For What It's Worth
Xero Sum Lyrics

Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴

The day I walked into your life,
Did things get darker, did your skies turn black?
Was I considered a threat?
From the start did I make your life too hard?
I only admired you, you were so much better than me.
But now I know you, I just want to tell you this one thing...

I won't bow down before you

I know all the secrets you hold,
And if I ever respected you
I'll take that back with me now.

I see the glares from your eyes
Every time you think my back is to you.
I know you're not sincere,
Your transparency helps me see right through you
I can't believe how much you hate me.
Do I deserve this?
Do you think I deserve this?

I won't bow...
I'll take it back with me now.

Overall Meaning

The lyrics of Xero Sum's song "For What It's Worth" tell the story of the singer's experience with someone they admired but who turned out to be fake and insincere. The singer's initial admiration turned into disappointment as they realized that the person they looked up to was not all that they seemed. The first verse questions the impact that the singer had on this person's life, whether they were seen as a threat or if they made their life harder. The singer reflects on how much they admired this person and how they were better than them. However, as the song progresses, the singer speaks directly to this person and tells them that they won't bow down to them, and they know all the secrets they hold. The second verse mentions the glares from the person's eyes and how they are not sincere, but the singer can see right through them. The singer expresses their disbelief and questions whether they deserve this hate from this person.

The song is full of resentment, frustration, and anger towards someone who was once idolized but turned out to be a disappointment. The lyrics show how people can put others on a pedestal and when they fall from grace, it can be heartbreaking. The singer refuses to be belittled by someone they respected and decides to take back their respect. The song is a message to those who have been let down by people that they once admired, to not let them control their lives.

Line by Line Meaning

The day I walked into your life,
Did my arrival make your life worse?

Did things get darker, did your skies turn black?
Did my presence cause negativity and darkness in your life?

Was I considered a threat?
Did you view me as a danger or enemy?

From the start did I make your life too hard?
Did I burden you or cause difficulties in your life from the beginning?

I only admired you, you were so much better than me.
I respected and looked up to you, feeling inferior to you.

But now I know you, I just want to tell you this one thing...
After getting to know you more, I have something to say.

I won't bow down before you
I refuse to submit or show subservience to you.

I know all the secrets you hold,
I am aware of all the things you hide or keep concealed.

And if I ever respected you
If I had any respect for you in the past.

I'll take that back with me now.
I take back any respect I had for you.

I see the glares from your eyes
I notice the angry or disapproving looks you give me.