A couple bare bulbs and the pale yellow foam pads on the walls set the perfect ambiance for a folk rock practice in late November. This old student ghetto basement is just a few degrees from bracing but the Son Drop boys don’t seem hindered in the least by the cold.
The ensemble consists of front man and rhythm guitarist James duke, lead guitarist Jarab Selner, bassist Jeremy Ruggles, and drummer Jarad ‘Saxquatch’ Selner (who normally serves as the bands’ saxophonist but is sitting in for Dan Flack). Son Drop uses a simple but driving approach to performing music. The parts laid down by the rhythm section lend plenty of momentum to get folks dancing, with harmonic movements and melodic lines so pretty they could force the most staunch of nihilists to fall in love.
Dukes’ voice sounds unlike that of any other singer I’ve heard, his timbre and way of approaching notes cause the the ossicles of the ears to vibrate in a most pleasant way, which is tastefully augmented by Jarab’s tactful guitar leads. The recently married Duke is a very playful song writer, singing of love and fun, often including little quips in his tunes, while maintaining the ability to discuss such austere topics as death, and his uncertainty about a future career.
As I listen, I cannot help but be impressed by how tight these guys are. Even in practice Son Drop puts on the type of locked-in performance we all love to hear. Ruggles’ rock solid bass lines work in junction with Saxquatch’s
pocket to produce all the enthralling dynamic range and tension release James and Jarab need to build their rich, melodic leads. Hearing and viewing Son drop is a fun experience, these guys really know how to make music that is as entertaining and thoughtful as it is unique.
Based on this practice I can safely say that Saturday’s show at the Strutt with Frontier Ruckus and White Pine should be a great one, and I, personally, won’t be missing it for anything.
DITKalamazoo 