It?s electric.
Philadelphia-based band the Disco Biscuits brings its unique sound to Sonar today for a pre-party show for the 2007 Starscape music festival, which takes place Saturday.
Keyboardist Aron Magner describes the band sound as “rock with an electric element.” It?s often labeled as trance-fusion, a style that incorporates electronica, played in a jam-band setting.
Besides Magner, the Disco Biscuits consist of guitarist and vocalist Jon Gutwillig, bassist Marc Brownstein and drummer Allen Aucoin.
With each member bringinga unique musical background to the band ? from classical to jazz and even funk ? the Disco Biscuits embody the tradition of musical greats like Miles Davis, who blended rock, jazz and classical music.
“We are always pushing ourselves musically,” Gutwillig said. “We are continuing the jazz tradition ? taking improv to the next level.”
The early days of the Disco Biscuits revolved around the guys playing covers of songs by Phish, Pink Floyd, Frank Zappa, The Beatles and other influences at local parties while they were studying at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then, the band?s popularity has exploded as it consistently sells out major venues such as the Electric Factory in Philadelphia, the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York and the TLA in Philadelphia, which sold out in less than 10 minutes.
Their increasing popularity has enabled the Biscuits to buy their studio to further progress and enhance their sound. Magner and Gutwillig both stressed the significance of an unrestricted amount of time in the studio.
“We?re in there making music at the time,” Gutwillig said. “I think we sound a lot more practiced.”
“We?re always hashing out new ideas and concepts,” Magner said. “It incorporates us all into the song-writing process.”
Evan Weinstein, Sonar?s marketing director and assistant talent buyer, said the Biscuits? show is a unique experience.
“It?s one of the most amazing, well-choreographed and well-put-together shows you will catch anywhere,” he said. “You can actually watch the band members communicate cues with body language on stage and move seamlessly from one song to the next.”
IF YOU GO
The Disco Biscuits
Starscape Pre-Party
» Venue: Sonar, 407 E. Saratoga St., Baltimore
» When: 8 p.m. today
» Tickets: $30
» Information: www.discobiscuits.com
