My musical mind continuously ponders evolving bastions of
melodic drivel. One of my favorite quandaries is an age-old debate: Muse or
Radiohead?
Does anyone else like this one?
I’ve always favored the rock sensibility Muse provides, but
find myself drawn to the artiness and pretty proprietary Radiohead has seized
on electronica and rock meddling. This deed was signed much in the way (and
time) that Google became the ONLY search engine. I think the vocals of both
bands are remarkably similar, and unfathomable to match, but nobody ever thinks
of Muse as one of the BEST bands in the history of the universe. All the while
perception of Radiohead is well documented.
Regardless of the changes both bands make album to album,
they sound very similar to me. The depth, range and richness of the vocals
backed by ever-omnipresent beats make these two bands top-shelf benchmarks in
production and execution. Their uniqueness stands alone, together, even if you
don’t agree with me that the margin is close.
That brings me to a new band that’s recently crossed my
viewfinder. The Tryptics. I’m actually not sure whether it was intentional or
not, but their sound seems to have found a greased slat between the rock
sensibility of Muse with the electronic fortitude of Radiohead.
Now, I know this is ridiculous. I don’t even want to write
it seriously, because it’s not fair to do to any band. Nobody with that preface
would give any band a fair chance. If you say LeBron is the next Jordan,
anything short of five titles is a failure. And, although, comparing bands to
other bands is one of my all-time favorite past-times, I still reiterate that I
do so with extreme caution.
With that said, this is some serious fucking music. The Tryptics
brand is very mathematical and scientific seeming. The white sectional upside-down
equilateral triangle, of egalitarian implications, in a black circle, is
insanely catchy. I’m reminded of when Jim Halpert went around posting “Join the
Fist” poster with a simple black and white fist to upend of Dwight Schrute’s management
style. If you take one down, two more show up. I love it and it certainly
accents the ubiquitous electronic rock you’re about to consume. This is a cult
and I’m now on the bandwagon.
If you look at some of the song titles: Tadpoles in a Pond,
Wormhole, Red Pill, and Andromeda…you would certainly think you’ve picked up a
bootleg Radiohead mix-tape. I can’t help but think any other way about it. The
vocal prowess is even there!
Lead singer Charles Preston certainly has the tortured
troubadour to a T (well, a modern electronica troubadour-ic version?). Their
new song “Hologram” opens lovingly with, “Do you get the feeling you’re all
alone? Left to obsess over the unknown!?” While “Go With the Flow,” a song
Preston described (live at the Church of All Nations) dryly as “a song about
going with the flow,” chants, “if I could truly be myself, I’d never make it
through. Sometimes I feel like I’m an alien. It’s no wonder you’re a scrooge,
with that kind of attitude.”
That, actually, is a “flow” I can relate to as a maudlin
mope myself. I believe that was a FB status I used at some point last week.
I actually believe “Go With the Flow” is the best song I’ve
heard in a long time. It has a stifling clapping percussion that gives its transitions
emphatic hype. And of course, any Zerfas classic has to build into a
rage-a-holic meltdown/breakdown/build back up. Do I hear cowbell? Yes. Yes, I
do. Winding guitar work? Check. This tune has all the elements of greatness.
Recently, I was able to catch the band live at a church in
the UWS. It was picturesque inside, pleated with shadows and serenaded in
candle lit romance. It was the perfect scenario to take in electronic rock
excellence. Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to TOTALLY invest myself in the show,
as I was obsessed with the ending to the 7th Game of the
Celtics-Heat series and bitter that so many things in life happen
all-at-one-time. I found the band impressive nonetheless and knew I needed to
know more. I took the deliciousness home in a Ziplock bag (the Ziplock bag of
my mind!?) and opened the music up—taking in a big whiff the next chance I had.
So, I have tied much of this writing together in retrospect
of the live show and curiosity from the EP I was handed at the show. Next time I’ll
be more prepared. And so should you.
They put on a rockin’ show with serious music in ways just
about anyone can relate to. There’s no way you’ll convince anyone in the
Tryptics should have any other job than making Tryptics music. No way, no
how…LIGHT UP THE STAGE!
Go to the website and let's take these guys to the next
level!
