Quactus - Once a Pond, A Spine CD Code:Quactus Price: $11.49 Quantity in Basket: none

Quactus

Since forming in 2005, Quactus has quickly risen to the top of L.A.'s jam scene, developing a diverse style that blends various genres of music. Harmonious vocals set atop shifting textures and moods, mixed with subtle meter changes, intricate melodies, and a cohesive improvisational style backed by a solid rhythm section comprise the core of the Quactus sound. Yet, their jams may run the gamut from psychedelic to trance-like to ultra-funky or even heavy metal excess. In a live setting, the band never performs a show the same way twice, often including on-the-spot composition via hand signals between band members. The band is also known for throwing in a cover tune or song tease from time to time. As a result, Quactus is establishing itself as one of the most exciting new live acts in the Southern California scene.

Formed during the Spring of 2005 from an eclectic mix of gentlemen from both coasts and a little of the Midwest, Quactus came together in Los Angeles after guitarist Seth Gordon, drummer Matthew McDuffee, guitarist Gabriel Weiner, and bassist Greg Zachan had the good fortune of crossing paths with each other. The members of Quactus have over 30 years of musical and audio instruction amongst them in both private and college level courses, which has given the band a strong command of music theory, songwriting, improvisation, vocal technique and music production skills. This combined experience finally culminated in the release of the band's self-produced and recorded debut album, Once a pond, a spine, in early 2008. The album's release, along with incessant promotion via the internet, has garnered a wider following for the band outside of Southern California, including a win on Jambands.com's "New Groove of the Month" Poll for May 2008.

Quactus is fronted by Gabriel Weiner on lead guitar and vocals, and Seth Gordon on rhythm guitar and vocals, with a solid engine room led by Greg Zachan on bass and vocals and Matthew (Duffee) McDuffee on drums and vocals. Weiner is an extraordinary lead guitarist with an obvious talent and education and, let's face it, a natural gift for lead textures and general shreddery. Gordon is a great frontman, as well, as he doesn't just stand back hitting the chords or race through vocal verses, but has a cool showman's vibe which would be just as much at home inside a theatre as a club. Zachan and McDuffee are a tight rhythm section and keep things interesting as they neither hold a monotonous beat nor improvise without purpose. Instead, the duo weave around the guitarists and provide a solid enough bedrock so improvisation can kick in at a moment's notice; at other times, the tandem slams a riff home with a formidable punch. - RANDY RAY -JAMBANDS.COM

Quactus is nothing to laugh about. These guys, all age 28, are serious about music. - LAUREN LAROCCA - FREDERICK NEWS POST

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