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

Sans Ego

Sans Ego has a smooth sound. Easy listening you might call it.  It is a sound that is perfect to listen to when winding down at the end of the day. The landscape of their music keeps you interested without commanding your attention as a looming mountain range would.  It just seems to seduce you.  Don't be fooled, sections of their songs allow the listeners just a flash of their ability to really rock out, but that does not seem to be what they are going for.  It is clear they have worked to create the sound they wanted even if they hadn't said so in their interview on 98.9 The Buzz.

Their music holds up when they switch to acoustic which is a testament to the quality of their writing.  Listen to their brand of music here.

Where does Sans Ego fall on the Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok

Filthy Funk

Filthy Funk describes themselves as "a future soul movement based in Rochester NY." To which I reply, just soul?  Filthy Funk certainly has a soul flavor.  But it doesn't always taste like soul.  There is a hint of rock, some hip hop, an aftertaste of techno, and a touch of other ingredients too numerous to mention.  I am sure they have a surprising influence or two.  Often you know the soul flavor is behind the sound but you can only hear the residue much like food cooked with wine doesn't TASTE like wine, but it wouldn't be the same without it.

Filthy Funk can weave a tapestry that seamlessly transitions from a smooth soft melody to a driving catchy chorus.  Or should I say the smooth sides compliment the entree quite nicely.  It doesn't matter how much I explain their sound through vague analogies though, you just have to hear it to understand it.  Have a listen. Check out "Get It."

Where does Filthy Funk fall on the (not entirely arbitrary) Sound Plane?

-Drew Prok

Argus Eye

This week I interview Tom Montagliano, lead singer, guitarist, and songwriter for local stellar rock band Argus Eye. Check out the Argus Eye link on the calendar for an example of why they are one of the most dynamic bands on the Rochester scene today. See them play Saturday, 6:30 pm at the Montage Music Hall.

Tom, how was Argus Eye born?

Nick and I met a couple of years ago at RIT and starting jamming with each other in my dorm room. It was mostly just me and him writing songs for awhile, until I met Ryan through another band I had joined called "Pia Mater". We played great together, so I invited him to play with Nick and myself. We've been making music together ever since.

Where do your badass vocal lines and hyper guitar licks come from?

I used to be in a ska band in high school called "The Motive"- that was the beginning of my interest in performing and songwriting. I actually played saxophone in that band, but it was around that time that I picked up the guitar. At the time I wanted to be like Dave Matthews (sigh...I was so young and impressionable), so I bought a songbook and just learned all of his songs.

What makes the music of Argus Eye special?

To be special...hmmm what does that mean? I guess we just write whatever we think sounds good regardless of genre- I'd like to think that translates to a "special" sound. What say you reader?

How does being a rock-star affect your sex appeal?

I was not aware that I was a rock-star and/or had any amount of sex appeal but it's safe to say that my "sex appeal" has not been changed much since I joined a band. It should also be pointed out that Ryan in fact has been delegated the responsibility of being the "sex appeal" representative for the band. I just write the songs.

What are your favorite three bands or artists right now?

Probably the Rx Bandits, Elliott Smith and John Lennon...to name three.

If you were on your death-bed and had one last thing to say to the world, what would it be?       

"Last words are for people who haven't said enough while they were alive"...not really. I don't know that it really matters, but probably something simple and optimistic, yet cryptic, like "See you in the morning."      

Do you think the music scene in Rochester (and Western NY) can be revolutionized?

The scene is actually pretty good in my opinion and I don't know that it needs much revolution. I can name a dozen bands around here that are making great music and are doing well. I think that if you put on a good show, people will come.

Is there anything else you'd like to mention?

Yeah...we have a new CD coming out in the spring called "Oneironaut". An Oneironaut is a dream traveler. A lot of the themes and motifs on the album revolve around that type of imagery. We are almost done with it and pretty excited to get it out there for people to hear.

-Alex Hillis