Roots Down Below at the Hyport, 2/4/05

By Finn Maguire

Remember that scene in Good Will Hunting when Ben Affleck's character tells Matt Damon's character that because of his genius, he's sitting on a winning lottery ticket? Well, Roots Down Below might just be the Good Will Hunting of the local music scene.

The "roots" of RDB is in a mixture of Ska, Reggae, Hip Hop, and R&B. The result is a hodge-podge of sound that is undeniably groovalicious. Combine a dynamic stage show and a tangible confidence in their music, and they seem to have what it takes to bust them outta this clambake.

There is no single thing that stands out about RDB, there are several things. Individually, they are some of the most talented musicians around at their respective instruments. As a unit, they create a vibe and energy that feels real, spontaneous, and fresh.

RDB's live show setlist combines originals and covers. Whether painting a version of "All Along the Watchtower" with ska-rock strokes, or revving up a reggae standard with their trademark energy, RDB handles cover tunes the right way - they make it their own. They inject them with surprising twists, leaving the listener eager to find out what's around the next curve. On this night, they paid proper homage to one of their more obvious influences, Bob Marley, whose 60th birthday passed this weekend.

RDB's original music combines their varied influences and can swing from the frantic energy of ska to the softer reflections of R&B. Like much Reggae and classic R&B, RDB preaches peace and equality. As noble as that is, it's when RDB turn their focus inward, on emotion -- that's when they, and especially frontman Dan Allen, shine. Allen stretches and alternates between their various styles of music with ease, but his smooth, affective tone lends itself to the more emotional side of the music. He displays the versatility of a well-trained vocalist - ranging from the perfect pitch and clarity of a high school musical crooner, to the guttural roar of a hard rock screamer. In the context of RDB's original style, however, his inflections definitely reflect the influence of, and the love for, the roots of reggae and ska.

Guitarist Brandon Eardley capably volleys between their various styles of music with ease, channeling an experience that seems well beyond his years, and yet never losing the youthful energy that drives all the members of the band. On stage he is a dynamo, ripping it up with a grit and playfulness that makes you wonder if he knows how good he is.

Perma-grinning bass player Aaron Small tends to lean on the funky side, lending a danceability to the music that is definitely not lost on the audience. He sets the pace for the band, playing the right note at the right time (perhaps the highest compliment a bass player can be paid).

Pat Golarz's drumming is generally in the pocket and fairly non-intrusive, letting the music breathe sufficiently. But he can pour gasoline on the fire when it is called for, and his cymbal work can loosen things up when appropriate, thus lending a jazzy element to the mix.

RDB have their roots firmly planted in the styles that influence their sound. Down below, there appears to be a love for playing live that drives them. The combination of those roots, and that desire down below, might just have them sitting on a winning lottery ticket.