Experimental music these days always dabbles into the technical side of things, with wide-ranging solos going into extensive breakdowns and then progressing into something else. What if there was a way music could still be experimental but in a different fashion? Blending a variety of styles to create something pretty cool that stands on its own. One band from the Southern Shore of Massachusetts does just that, and to a pretty high authority.
The brainchild of musical whizkid Nolan Driscoll, Bridgewater’s Dionysus Park Ranger melds funk, jazz, rock, reggae, and roots to form a wholly authentic sound in Half Full, the band’s second album and one that’s officially released tonight during WEMF Radio’s Labor Day Bash at the Middle East Downstairs (the night doubles up as Answerman’s record release party as well). It should be a fun experience seeing Driscoll’s band live, especially with the horn section of Matt Ahrens on trombone, James Sheehan on trumpet ,and Chelsea Fisk on saxophone adding a pleasant dimension to an already righteous tone.
Through its 10 tracks, Half Full is as eclectic as it is progressive. “Spaghetti” has hints of doo-wop while relaying an interesting way to make the dish along with suggesting ways to indulge in the meal (throwing it at your friend’s face seems like a viable option). Jazzy and pristine, “The Gentlemen” is another standout; it’s very laid back and relaxing with Driscoll’s soothing strums on guitar and the horns giving you a smiling sensation. A three-part song, “The Secret,” is another great instrumental that has epic riffs with Ben Clark killing it on the keys. It’s not every day you have a band outline a song that’s split up into three parts. And speaking of epic, “Damballa” brings the force and vigor with Driscoll going off on everything that is evil and how he will defeat it.
While you make your plans to start off your Labor Day Weekend, stop by the Middle East tonight (full lineup in flyer form down below), grab a copy of Dionysus Park Ranger’s Half Full, and enjoy the show. You can also stream the album in advance, via their Bandcamp page.
