Ryan Shupe & the RubberBand, Dream Big

Tracks & Durations

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Review

OK, let's get this out front: Their name is obnoxious, and sets up low expectations of the KC and the Sunshine Band kind. But this Utah-based group, with a handful of independent albums to their credit, is comprised of real musicians who craft a hard-to-categorize, acoustic-centered approach. At their best, they circle a progressive bluegrass, Béla Fleck & the Flecktones/Nickel Creek sound, with outstanding banjo work from Craig Miner. But they dilute that ambience with tepid reggaeish numbers, bubblegum pop, and jive lyrics that aim for cool. "Dream Big," a motivational ballad that should inspire a sea of lighter flames, is the hit here, but the more interesting tunes--the tongue-in-cheek "Banjo Boy" and the rap/jazz "Simplify," which Weird Al Yankovic would love--showcase a healthy sense of humor. Mixed bag, for sure. Think of this as a musical smiley face with occasional moments of studied calm. --Alanna NashRyan Shupe and the RubberBand are a breathtaking blast of manic musical virtuosity. Sheer joy seems to pour out of the speakers when they start playing, and it may be that they sound that way because the five members of the band--Roger Archibald (guitar, vocals), Colin Botts (bass, vocals), Craig Miner (banjo, bouzouki, guitar, mandolin and vocals), Bart Olson (drums), and Ryan Shupe (lead vocals, fiddle, mandolin and guitar) are not only extremely talented, they're having a great time. This same spirit also infuses Dream Big; it's an album that aptly captures their passion to perform.

"There's something magical about a band," says Shupe. "I really like how it morphs and grows and ebbs and flows like one entity." Drummer Olson notes, "A lot of times it's kind of an adventure to figure out how each song will end up, because nobody really knows when we start out." Guitarist Archibald adds, "We're like a really tight family, and that's important to have in a band because it's just much more fun that way. We love to play music, and we love who we're playing music with."

The five musicians share a ravenous appetite for all types of music, with the band's influences including such diverse performers as Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, Bob Marley, the Police, AC/DC and Bela Fleck. Most have dabbled with a number of different instruments, all have been playing since they were kids. Shupe, a generous frontman, writes the songs, but doesn't demand ownership of them. "I always have something in my mind that I think a song's going to be, but when I bring it to the band I try not to hold on to that too much. I love to get everybody's input because I think that the guys in the band are so amazing. The song might take a different turn than I'd originally thought, but it always turns out the way it's supposed to be."

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