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Romanteek titles a new chapter in Olympia, Washington's brilliant DIY musical history. The infectious hooks and driving beats sound somewhere between "Remain in Light" era Talking Heads and the funky stylings of Prince, and convey one solid message: all of life's problems can be worked out on the dance floor.
An evolving dance band since 2001, the five members of Romanteek showcase an incredible amount of talent. Guitarist and producer Matt Buscher (AKA Le Matt) lovingly recorded all of the tracks on the new self-titled album. Keyboardist Ira Coyne, AKA underground DJ sensation Dance!!! Attack!!!, is obsessed with obscure disco records, a huge creative influence on the band's sound. Drummer Heather Dunn has pounded out years in notorious bands Tiger Trap, Dub Narcotic Sound System and The Raincoats, filling out the band with heart-throbbing rhythm. Bassist Ian Ackerman's fascinating talent comes from years of rock and roll and an obsession with Middle Eastern music. And that is not even mentioning the lead singer of the quintet. How does one describe the fierce independence and sensuality of Ruby Valentine?
Imagine yourself in one of Olympia's beloved punk house basements, crowded in with ten dozen people as diverse as the collection of show fliers on the wall. In a far corner the five members of Romanteek touch their representative fingers together in a pre-show ritual of love and unity, before unleashing a surprising dark disco rhythm on the room. The opening guitar melody is quick and hypnotizing, supported by brooding electric piano, a solid uhn-dit bass line and the clear, powerful drumming of Heather Dunn's deft hands.
The radiant Ruby Valentine stands center stage. With fresh flowers in her hair and a mischievous smile on her face, Valentine emanates all of the sultry sexuality of a 1940's lounge singer. She sways with the music, and with the silky-molasses vibrato of her voice croons of the conflict and frustration of life, of love, and the inevitability of death.
The crowd starts to move with more urgency as the song gains momentum, and so does Valentine. Bent over and belting into the mic with raging soul, the lady declares, "well I think I might be strung too tightly," before taking her pants off and rocking down to the floor with her tambourine.
By the time the show is over, you are breathless, sweaty and invigorated, and Romanteek has done their job.
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