Rage Within the Machine  A whisper in the noise find the
humanity in technology  So I have this test. It's called "Music
for Real Life." That's right: Throw on those headphones and go
for a walk, or turn music on in your car. Watch how it interacts
with your surroundings. Lest you believe this is another
diatribe on appreciation of incidental composition, you're
mistaken--in part. I listen to Through the Ides of March, the
debut from local orchestral-rock group A Whisper in the Noise.
But in truth, I think it's listening to me, responding to my
thoughts while I make my way through the streets. I pass by the
modern conveniences of my neighborhood: a yoga center, corner
café, tattoo parlor, electrical supply shop. Meanwhile cars are
zooming past. Someone's on a cell phone. Okay, everyone's on a
cell phone. But I'm listening to the album, the dulcet drums and
piano, as vocalist and principal member West Thordson intones,
"All of the fears that I seed in me/All of the most basic needs
of me/All of the dreams I ha