Balancing an academic career and a music career is no problem for UH-Clear Lake students Tyler Barber and Daniel Torres. Barber and Torres are both devoted music lovers and members of Houstonšs upcoming bands The Colour Clear and Abasia.

Barber is a junior studying both psychology and sociology. In the music realm, he is the lead guitarist for The Colour Clear. Barber has been playing guitar for more than 11 years and is mainly influenced by classical music and the psycho-melodic sounds of At the Drive and Sparta. Barberšs love for music stems from his ability to express his inner thoughts through the strings of his guitar.

"Music is an unconditional part of my life," Barber said. "It allows me to bare my soul."The Colour Clear is best described as a melodic-aggressive rock band. The band is known for their energetic live performances and their debut album, the First Anthems I Learned.

Unlike Barber, Torres plays a different role in the progressive rock band Abasia. Torres is considered the silent fifth member. He is the manager, art director and booking agent.

Torres is a senior studying applied arts and graphic design. Outside of school, he designs the artwork featured on Abasiašs band flyers, photographs and Web site.

Torres recently had his first gallery show at the Galveston Art Center. The show was titled Lux/Otic and focused on visual and audio site specific installation. His main influences are graphic artist David Carson and painter Francis Bacon.

As a manager, Torres has brought great success to Abasia. The band is a regular at the Engine Room, in Houston, and has opened for recognized bands like Earshot, 30 Seconds to Mars and Goneblind.

"I felt compelled to help the band step forward into a larger light," Torres said. "Abasia is not even a year old and I couldnšt be any prouder."

Check out The Colour Clear at Fitzgeraldšs in Houston March 14 and Abasiašs next show at Whiskey Blues in Galveston March 26.

For information visit www.thecolourclear.com or www.abasia.net.

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