Rustic Overtones and Frank Viele & the Manhattan Project September 2, 2011

Funky jazz rockers from Maine, the Rustic Overtones’ true rustic overtones include occasional facial hair experimentation, a raw, honest sound and humble tiny dive-bar beginnings. But make no mistake -- these guys have soul. (Not to mention they recorded a song with David Bowie in ’01)

Starting with an Earth, Wind and Fire base, they’ve built up their sound over the years to include jazz, hip hop and alt rock influences. Artistic minds like theirs are never settled with what came before. With such a diverse approach to making albums, it’s inspirational to hear how they changed from Shish Boom Bam in ’94 to the highly acclaimed Light at the End in ’07 and, most recently, with the release of groundbreaking album The New Way Out. The band focused more on songwriting and careful arrangements for this one, and its cover features a fantastic hand-drawn image depicting a man and his dog sitting on top of the world (we think). There’s always a new way to listen to The New Way Out, and perhaps the best way is when you’re at StageOne. Come out for this one, you won’t regret a second of it.

Frank Viele & Manhattan Project will open the show in support of their latest album Neon Lights.