RHYTHM METHOD
A LASCIVOUS BLEND OF FUNK, R & B AND BLUES

Musical Joyride

Rhythm Method is all about having a good time. The title of the band's eclectic first "What You Want" says it all: If you're going home happy.

If you want a piece of that action, saunter down to the Muddy River Smokehouse on Saturday, when the band will perform with KGB opening the show. "The record's been out since January, and the response so far has been great." drummer Gene Guth said in a recent interview.

"We're very happy." "What You Want" is a work of exemplary musicianship. On first listen, that much is clear. But, as with all great records, multiple listens unearth multiple gifts.

Most bands write songs you already know. Verse, chorus, verse. Changes in 4/4 time we have come to anticipate

Rhythm Method writes songs you get to know, slowly, like you would any other living breathing being The songs live because they are unpredictable. It is impossible to underestimate the worth of an upexpected transition in a song, expecially when those suprise transitions are as well-executed as the change-ups on "What You Want."

A lot of this has to do with the skill of Rhythm Method's rhythm section. (Guth on drums, Chad Owen on bass) These boys have the ability to mix things up without losing control of the song's central feel.

Pete Person's smooth, lifting vocals are another big piece of the puzzle. His range of ablilities allows the band to be all it can be without fear of losing the overlying melody. The "double-headed axe attack," as the band describes the interplay between guitarists Peterson and Chuck Wentzell, is as accurate a desription of the songs here as anything I can think of. Of course, what matters more than anything is the band's confidence level.

There is not one hesitant moment on "What you Want." there isn't a single instance where the band sounds like it is stretching beyond its skill level. The record is just a laid-back joyride. This record should appeal to blues, funk junkies, as well as anyone who enjoyed the soundtrack to the classic film, "The Commitments." At least some of the credit for this superb record belongs to the engineering work of local sound wizard Chris Magruder, and his Thundering Sky studio (www.thunderingsky.com). Magruder has left an indelible mark on the Seacoast music scene, producing some of the best local records and covering every genre from hardcore metal to smooth jazz. Kudos on another job well done, Chris.

While he is very happy with the band's CD, Guth said by its very nature, Rhythm Method is a live act. And the Muddy River Smokehouse is one of the best sounding venues to see the band in. "It's a great place to see any show, and anyone who'd like to have a real good time should come on down," he said. "There's a lot of energy in our music. The bigger the crowd, and the more responsive they are, the more energetic we get," he said. 'We work together with the audience to put on a great show."

Spotlight Magazine
Portland Times Record