All the young dudes
There are many bizarre names for bands out there, but Dude Plays Saxophone really takes the cake. Yes, that's the name of the group. I was surfing Myspace, investigating the endless number of groups and basically waiting for something to catch my eye. When I came across the Dude Plays Saxophone my curiosity was sparked immediately. I don’t know if it was the graphics of the giant moon that lured me, the guy in the monkey mask playing the guitar or simply the name of the group. The truth is that this four-man group from Louisville, Kentucky touched me with their sound, simplicity and modesty. Their up and coming CD will be called The State of Alaska. In the meantime, they have produced a six track promo which is an example of feel-good music. It has that classic, wholesome indie-alternative attitude.. Traditionally performed music meets electronic, and they co-exist comfortably on this album. Thanks to this winning combination, songs like “Capable” are full of richness and mystery. The group also comes together to show its true distinctive talent in "Itch". The piano and guitar arrangements are simply majestic. There's a certain sweetness and softness about “Nothing Works”. Its repetition reminds me of a sort of lullaby, though it's a shame that song ends so abruptly. It sort of leaves you hanging when you'd really like to linger with the music just a bit longer. DPS’s main musical identity is Deric, the lead singer. His voice can be penetrating, haunting and at times bit overwhelming. Through the lyrics, he speaks of lost love, misinterpretations and false dreams. Yet there's great inner strength and energy, as well as beauty.
The State of Alaska has a truly unique and independent sound so far. The music might not capture you at first listen, but given the proper attention, you can make several new and unexpected discoveries. The tracks should be savoured like a glass of really good red wine, with the flavors changing and developing every minute after the bottle has been opened. Listen and leave it, but then come back and listen again. You’ll see that the opinion that you had originally formed will already have changed. I have the distinct feeling that these guys are great fun, and as Jarret, the drummer told me in a recent e-mail, they never take themselves too seriously. It’s nice to hear. Their website is playful, innovative and worth checking out for its artistic merits. It will leave you with a smile on your face as you get to know the members of the band up close and personal.
Karin Andrea Halliwell
www.myspace.com/dudeplayssaxophone
They also have a page on Facebook.
Artists permanently (and randomly) "on air" at present date: Dude Plays Saxophone(USA), Toundra(Spain), Maxena Tace(Italy), Sawako (Japan), The Cleopatras (Italy), Hollowblue(Italy), OPA(USA), Nora Keyes (USA), Simona Gretchen(Italy), Facciascura (Italy), hiiragi fukuda (Japan), Stardog(Italy), I Got A Violet(Italy), The Agrarians (USA); Feldmaus (Russia); Red Velvet (Italy - France); Eigenheimer (Holland); Drugs Made Me Smarter (Mexico); Kelvin & Speedy Peones (Italy); Tidy Kid (USA); NIMM (Italy); MorningPaper (Italy), Edgar Graves (Czech Republic), Marshmallow (Croatia), David Morley (England/Belgium); Bancale (Italy); Antony Raijekov (Bulgary); Amélie (Italy); Celestial Aeon Project (Finland); Channel in Channel out (USA); Madrigali Magri (Italy), Gimme 'hat Moonshine (Belgium), Krakenti (Latvia), Wheelchair Discotheque (Latvia), TheOneOnTheIsland (Slovakia), Maok (Slovakia), LaBon (Slovakia), Jordan Jordan (Slovakia), Social Society (Slovakia), Batte (Norway), Orange Crush (Norway), Oriental Music System (Hong Kong), Iamsum (Hong Kong), Rex Cody (Hong Kong), Donkey Valium (Hong Kong), Smiling Buddhas (Hong Kong), O-M (Hong Kong), Hvoya (Ukraine), Automatic Pilot Required (Brazil), Yogi (Brazil), Light Merchants (South Africa), The Slowmovies (Italy); I am this (USA); Kråkvind (Sweden); Planet Brain (Italy); Lebatol (UK); Sarah Schuster (Italy); Krt 963 (Italy-Japan); Flap (Italy); Nicker Hill Orchestra (Italy); Menrovescio (Italy); Annabel (USA); Karmatest (Italy); The Dada Weatherman (France); Diablo Swing Orchestra (Sweden); Japanese gum (Italy); Above the tree (Italy); Volcano Playground (Canada); Linz (Italy); Anomie Belle (USA), Christophe Marc (France), Death Valley Sleepers (Denmark), Jeremy Sparrow (Denmark), Zoon van snooK (England), Systemton (Germany), Matti Bye (Sweden), Manuzik (Japan), Chances (Italy), Hometaping (Great Britain...?), Ping (Norway), Frey (New Zealand), Manhan (Japan), One Chef (Sweden), Mijagi (Poland), Pandacetamol (Scotland), Lu-Sin (Argentina), Thomas Solgaard (Denmark), Wonderboy (France), Los Hermanos Butaca (Argentina), La Biyuya (Argentina), Negro Fluo (Argentina), Sempai (Italy), Riccardo Vianello (Italy), Wolther goes stranger (Italy), Eildentroeilfuorieilbox84 (Italy), Buzz Aldrin (Italy), Stefano Roveda (Italy), Rosso! (Italy); manzOni (Italy).
