FILE UNDER: Country fiddle with a fusion of rock
CORPORATE LINE: Ryan Shupe and the RubberBand are a breathtaking blast of manic musical virtuosity. Sheer joy seems to pour out of the speakers when they start playing, and it may be that they sound that way because the five members of the band–Roger Archibald (guitar, vocals), Colin Botts (bass, vocals), Craig Miner (banjo, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin and vocals), Bart Olson (drums), and Ryan Shupe (lead vocals, fiddle, mandolin and guitar) are not only extremely talented, they’re having a great time. This same spirit also infuses Dream Big; it’s an album that aptly captures their passion to perform.
“There’s something magical about a band,” says Shupe. “I really like how it morphs and grows and ebbs and flows like one entity.” Drummer Olson notes, “A lot of times it’s kind of an adventure to figure out how each song will end up, because nobody really knows when we start out.” Guitarist Archibald adds, “We’re like a really tight family, and that’s important to have in a band because it’s just much more fun that way. We love to play music, and we love who we’re playing music with.”
The five musicians share a ravenous appetite for all types of music, with the band’s influences including such diverse performers as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, the Police, AC/DC and Bela Fleck. Most have dabbled with a number of different instruments; all have been playing since they were kids. Shupe, a generous frontman, writes the songs, but doesn’t demand ownership of them. “I always have something in my mind that I think a song’s going to be, but when I bring it to the band I try not to hold on to that too much. I love to get everybody’s input because I think that the guys in the band are so amazing. The song might take a different turn than I’d originally thought, but it always turns out the way it’s supposed to be.”
THE GREAT:
“Dream Big” – 100% country and also a 100% hit.
“Banjo Boy” – I’m not usually a big fan of the banjo however this is one heck of a great hook. Also a quirky story of a boy dreaming about being a star but can’t because he’s a banjo player—what a hoot.
“Oh How I Miss You” – A lot of fun. Yeeehaw!
THE AVERAGE:
“Even Superman” – Everyone is tired of songs about Superman and this proves why.
“Simplify” – Anyone that is familiar with G. Love will hear that style allover this song. Unfortunately G. Love’s style is not good for Ryan Shupe.
“Would You Love Me” – As a modern rock band they’re average.
“Rain Falls Down” – Quirky mix of Caribbean percussion and country twang—again, eclectic but not necessarily great.
THE BAD:
Nothing.
FRANKLY: Ryan Shupe & The Rubberband are eclectic. There is country here and rock there. The problem is it might be too eclectic for listeners. Honestly, when they stick with their country sound they can make music with the best Nashville has to offer but when they try to sound like a modern rock band they are average at best.
+ Rae Gun
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