Parotia

This week we feature Parotia, a local band that has it really going on. Parotia features reggae-flavored jams, a staple in the local scene. Parotia really brings something unique to the table, however. We get to hear an array of slightly more diverse instrumentation- everything from synth, to didgeridoo, to djembe, to something called the "mini moog". The impressive thing to check out when listening to their music is how they perfectly weave together electronic and organic sounds. I don't know how best to describe this, except that for some reason it strongly reminds me of the Lion King soundtrack. Of course reggae flavorings are a bit different than Lion King's African sounds, but there is definitely a quality in Parotia's music that subtly suggests something primal and very beautiful.

If that sounds a little too artsy for some of you out there, I will also say that Parotia is straight up a great band. Check them out on March 26^th at the Rush United Methodist Church Benefit Concert.

Check Parotia out here.

Where does Parotia fall on the Sound Plane?

-Alex Hillis

*WILL NO LONGER BE PLAYING THE RUSH 4 NY BENEFIT CONCERT*

The Radium Girls

In the run-up to DropStatic's March 26^th Rush for NY Benefit Concert (@ the Rush United Methodist Church, 7pm) we are reviewing and writing a piece for each of the artists participating. This week, U of R's The Radium Girls are in the spotlight. The trio's name derives from a term coined for ill-fated female factory workers that were exposed to dangerous amounts of the aforementioned substance and it was their plight that later helped to establish legal precident for employees to sue negligent employers, such as theirs.

The harrowing name belies the band's loose and acessable sound; the kind of thing you'd want playing when you finally get the courage to dance. We recently corresponded with Ben Brown, their bass player, who has been busily involved in another great cause, ArtAwake here in Rochester. We appreciate his support and involvement in that effort, and we at DropStatic know the same kind of energy will be unleased on Friday, March 26^th at the Rush United Methodist Church at 7pm to help send fellow students on a mission trip. Come support great people and a great cause with us!

Check The Radium Girls out here.

Where do The Radium Girls fall on the Sound Plane?

-John Brandon Zubler

The Sandwich Crackers

This reggae ska group offers listeners more than just the familiar reggae beat.  Tracks like "Devil's Dub" certainly have that reggae sound but they merge ska, jazz, and rock into that base texture.  The result is a refreshing blend.  Their acoustic version of "Devil's Dub" is a bit different, but still contains many key elements seen in the original.

For those looking for that steady reggae beat look no further than "Bliss."  Don't discount "Our Flight," which despite the rough recording quality is one of the group's stronger works.  "Our Flight" has a mellow driving sound before it transitions to their classic reggae sonance.  The track smoothly transitions back and forth from one style to another before crescendoing to a finish.

Check The Sandwich Crackers out here.

Where do The Sandwich Crackers fall on the Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok