So last week Radio Rubber Room took the week off–but two weeks ago at the Republic, they presented the fledgling EDM reggae duo Dreadlock Robot, followed by our old chums The Dream Machine. Something about having that old gang of hooligans back in the building gave that evening a long lost coziness.
So last week Radio Rubber Room took the week off–but two weeks ago at the Republic, they presented the fledgling EDM reggae duo Dreadlock Robot, followed by our old chums The Dream Machine. Something about having that old gang of hooligans back in the building gave that evening a long lost coziness.
Dreadlock Robot, consisting of guitarist Billy Austin and keyboardist Joshua Crenshaw (both hail from Crucial Elements), seems like a really sustainable project. I’ve always liked Austin’s patient, careful guitar playing – that says a lot about his musicianship. He also takes great care in finding his tone, so the mix between guitar and keys/computer sounds natural.
Crenshaw on the keys and electronics is a considerably busy man up on stage. I can’t claim to be much of a dub/EDM advocate, but I certainly respect these two for the depth and energy they create. I say this project seems sustainable because of its simplicity paired with its effectiveness. From an outsider’s perspective, it seems there’s very little that could get in the way. Last Wednesday was Dreadlock Robot’s second live performance; subsequent shows can only be more crucial.
The Dream Machine has been busy lately, pumping out new merchandise and putting together a new Live at The Republic album, not to mention the barrage of recent activity on ReverbNation. TDM’s long-awaited debut studio album is finished, and according to front man Jason Hunnicutt it should ready for public consumption next month. The aforementioned live album is available through their Facebook page.
Collectively, TDM has made a vast progression as a band. They’ve always had great stage presence, but the band is tightening up all around. Though I didn’t think it physically possible, Justin Shear has actually gotten faster and shreds even harder on guitar. And while it may slightly gimmicky, Hunnicutt’s supplementary snare drum does add to the show, especially when the likes of Neko Williams hops on stage for a good whack.
On the horizon, TDM will be playing the Canal Club with Simplified, February 6. This Friday, their ReverbNation site will be streaming live, so check it out.
This Wednesday at The Republic, Radio Rubber Room presents Red Light Rodeo along with The Dirty Picture Show, which just blew some minds at Splendid Suns’ CD release party last Saturday.
The Dirty Picture Show’s set gets better with every show; I’ve heard these songs growing immensely over the last year. At first, I thought perhaps that TDPS was more of a collection of artists without the mentality of an established band. By now, they’ve transcended that mental picture. They absolutely rock.
I’ve included a few bands in the category of “comfort music”; I think Red Light Rodeo fits snugly in there with guitar, bass, mandolin, and folked-out harmonies. By the looks of it, we’ve got a real cozy Wednesday night lined up at The Republic, 10pm.
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Words By Dan Mulrooney
Images by Tyler M. Conta
