Rootsy improvisational acts and song-stretching livetronica groups crowd marquees these days, leaving a bewildered chunk of the jam band fan base out in the cold. Sure, a raucous mandolin solo gets the blood flowing every now and then. Sure, the infinite melding of computers, synthesizers and traditional instruments sounds lovely. But what of rock? Where are disciples of that old time religion supposed to go when Appalachian hullaballoo grows tiresome, when prolonged beats test the last frayed nerve? One could settle for prog or funk-based chimeras, ignoring the true sanctuary beckoning in the form of Sprocket, the up-and-coming answer to many a desperate prayer.
Sprocket is an unabashed throwback to the classic jamband. Imbued with the playfulness of early Phish, the Brooklyn-based quartet emphasizes fun, diving headlong into bouncy covers of Paul Simon’s “Kodachrome” and the Beatles’ “Ob-la-di-ob-la-da.” But don’t be fooled. The Sprocket sound goes beyond sweet fluff. A helping of New York City grit balances the band’s humorous side, ensuring equal measures of happy-go-lucky pluckiness and faintly punkish barroom soul. Originals like “Womp” and “The Glen” exhibit this satisfying duality, infusing light-hearted whimsy with raw electric power.
Founded in 2011, Sprocket has made its mark in the Big Apple, performing at numerous area clubs and bars. The Bitter End hosts an ongoing Sprocket residency, a spirited and successful run by all accounts.
Sprocket sat down to discuss a range of topics, including the recording of the band’s highly anticipated debut album, due to drop on March 1st.
What’s Sprocket’s collective mission and musical outlook? (If, in fact, you share one.)
Thomas Tompkins (guitar): I believe the band’s collective mission is to make the best music we possibly can that we believe in. My personal mission and outlook is to create something beautiful yet ugly, raunchy yet smooth. Live music has always been a huge part of my life, and anyone else who’s into live music knows what it’s like to reach a Zen-like sate of blissful happiness derived from sound. It’s interesting that we humans are programmed to enjoy vibrations of air, and through the interactions of different wavelengths we may perceive consonance, dissonance, ecstasy… a plethora of emotions. Music is my sacred safe place and my musical outlook is to be able to convey and share different things music makes us all feel with as little restriction between my brain and the guitar as possible. Easier said than done, of course, but that’s what I’m after.
Angelo Miliano (piano): When an audience member screams “Melt my face!” I hope we can achieve that for that one fan. For me, it’s always been about finding the story within a song and sharing that. In addition, creating music that I not only enjoy listening to, but enjoy sharing and have the best time playing.
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