A quickly emerging band in the aggressive Detroit area music scene, Roundabout is fresh, addictive, and undeniably unique. Formed in early 2006, Roundabout is the result of the best pieces from two separate accomplished acts. Over the past two years one could find the act everywhere from a crowded garage to the bright lights of some of metro Detroit’s finest stages. Musicianship and professionalism are paramount, and so it is evident in every aspect of the band’s demeanor.
Roundabout centers it’s focus on the energetic live show, mixing familiar covers and originals, while leaning heavily on the pillars of soundly structured songwriting, and searing improvisation. Posturing on stage as an accessible act, Roundabout is endlessly pursuing the simplification of complexity in the context of their own songs. The originals are alive, moving and breathing. Colors of Samba and Bossa Nova are often brought to the forefront without apology. A self-admitted obsession with what some would call “Minor-Motown” is displayed on various levels while tribute to some of the best folk songwriters from the past 4 decades can be found throughout the original catalog.
Perhaps more importantly, the instruments complement each other in a fashion not typically associated with mainstream rock, yet the groove orientated goal is readily apparent. The sounds produced by each of the instrumental roles is as unique as the individuals that play them. Primary melodies can often be found with the bass, carefully carrying not only the rock solid bottom end, but also the delicate intricacies of the song’s identifying hook. Rhythmic phrases in a sampled fashion are on two-part harmony with the sax and lead guitar, often departing to accompany the melody, to build rhythmic friction, or to carry the group along on an improvisational journey. Dramatic changes are sprinkled throughout a variety of numbers through the use of unison attention to particular grooves. Lyrical phrases float above the instruments as loose as a lullaby, and as tight as a nursery rhyme. A rhythm guitar that is played more like auxiliary percussion provides the meter for the off center drum parts as well as the direction and timbre of many of the underlying themes. These are just a few examples of where a first impression immediately shows the departure of your typical bread-and-butter rock sound.
Audiences are endlessly dazzled by the display of character and charisma of Roundabout. It’s not uncommon to find a row of people singing along, word-for-word, to not only the covers but also the originals. Whether a sax player atop a monitor, a bobbing drummer, leaping guitarist, or involving vocalist, Roundabout aims to entertain.
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