Scenic Byway Hosts Launch Party at Soundwell and Asks the Question, “Are We Hip Hop?”

What a difference a year makes. The last time I saw Scenic Byway was in early 2020 during a show a lockdown-era show the Urban Lounge. There was a stark contrast between the band I saw then, and the Scenic Byway I saw last Tuesday at Soundwell.

Part of the contrast was the sound. Soundwell certainly lives up to its reputation of having excellent sound. A lot of people I talk to argue that Soundwell has the best sound in the city. The amazing light show helped as well, but most of the contrast I experienced last Tuesday at Soundwell was the result of a maturing of the band.

When I say “maturing,” I mean the band seems to have grown into their sound. They have found that sweet spot: a sound that is inclusive and approachable, and possibly like no other sound you have heard.

They have found that sweet spot: a sound that is inclusive and approachable, but possibly like no other sound you have heard.

Clearly the band know they have entered uncharted territory. The title of their CD supports this theory. I’ll answer the question posed by saying “no…Scenic Byways is not Hip Hop.” They’re more like Rock ‘n Psychedelic Hip Hop.

Scenic Byway still have the signature midi synth sounds from Reese, but with Crespo and Marticorena’s like-minded heavier rock styling’s, and Alldredge’s big sound on drums, Scenic Byway delivered a memorable performance that left a lot of fans still unsure of what they had just heard. One thing not is dispute was whether or not it was an agreeable sound. Everyone loved what they were hearing.

Scenic Byway has been around for many years with a lot of movement in the band lineup. The current lineup includes Tyler Rick Reece on lead vocals and synth, Dave Crespo on guitar, Micah Alldredge on drums and Sergio Marticorena on bass.

Opening up for Scenic Byway was the band Night Crew. The band is fronted by Adilea Sprouse, who juxtaposes a graphic pose of classic elegance with eerie vocal styling’s. With short numbers and modern, eclectic arrangements, I think I’ll keep my eye on Night Crew.

The Scenic Byway launch party at Soundwell included, music of course, but the band also invited a handful of vendors who were selling the artsy wares.

I ran into a lot of great people at the show, including: Michael Collins, drummer and digital marketing guru for Spirit Machines; Za Za Historia VanDyke of Backyard Revival; Terry Burden of Park City TV fame; and many others.

After the show, I almost forgot to grab my copy of the new CD—I had stashed in on the merch table under some posters. The next morning, as I started to put that CD cover on my wall, I discovered that SPO has signed it…right on top of the upper left skull. Crespo had pulled a fast one on me. I realized I now had to hunt down the rest of the band and get them to add their marks to that CD cover. Should be easy enough. I’ll be at their next show on Sept. 16 at The Royal.

 

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