Galactic

For the past ten years, Galactic has sounded exactly like what it is, a New Orleans funk band with New England punk roots. The members look more like fans of Dischord than disciples of Dr. John, and it's hard to imagine these five suburban guys are going to bring it. That is, until they do.

When Galactic lays down the funk, it's sweet and slow, low and hard, fusing traditional Meters-style bass lines with the violent percussion of drummer Stanton Moore and the treble triumvirate of sax, guitar and keyboards. The showmanship and grit of singer Theryl DeClouet lends a sense of dated style and soul to the melodies, while unhinged covers of tunes like Sabbath's "Sweetleaf" make fans out of listeners who have yet to be schooled by Professor Longhair.

In part due to their affiliation with Super Fly, the New Orleans based production team behind the superfestival Bonnaroo, Galactic's fan base has grown to encompass a nation of fans, from club hoppers to hippies. Galactic's cross-pollination of sounds has made it possible for it to play a rave one weekend and open for Widespread Panic the next. Since its last album dropped in 2002, Galactic has shared stages with the Roots, Lyrics Born, Kid Koala and Z-Trip. The influence of the group's expanded interest in hip-hop and electronica sets the stage for its latest album and current tour. With Dan the Automator on board in the studio, Galactic has crafted a slick and shiny electrofunk without forsaking the backbone of Crescent City sound that keeps the band standing strong.