Oedipus Dick Feature

-Posted with permission from Laura Wilkinson, Editor-in-Chief of The Technician

Not Just a Gimmick

            In today’s musical landscape of image over substance, one should not be surprised to see a band with a gimmick.  Many musical acts, due to lack of talent or individuality, are forced to adopt theatrics as a way to capture their audience.  This, however, is not the case with the Triangle’s own Oedipus Dick, a light-hearted outfit of spoken-word jazz with a funk interior.  Named after a mental patient who vehemently protested mainstream culture, the band has created a platform from which to combat the musical and indeed societal status-quo.  Boasting only three members, this group of NC State and Chapel Hill grads has found an interesting way to trumpet two completely different musical personas without confusing their fans. 

Experimenting with many atypical sounds, upright bassist and vocalist Hank Marr, drummer and vocalist Chip Steiner and cellist Joshua Starmer formed another group consisting of the same lineup to act as Oedipus’ alter ego, a more pensive and macabre act known as The Sybaritic Gentlemen of Leisure.  Starmer describes the contrast between the two bands in terms of their stage beverage choice.  “The Sybaritic Gentlemen drink wine on stage.  Oedipus Dick drinks 40s.” 

With contrary musical principles and unique instrumentation, the guys have created a fully functional show where conflicting sounds and rhythms mesh together in a sound that is often discordant.  But be assured—every choice is intentional. 

When Oedipus Dick opens a show with no more than a drum set, an upright bass and an electric cello, its easy to see how their devoted local following emerged.  After a jazz-heavy, Cake-esque onslaught of odd time signatures and bass solos, Oedipus takes a short interlude to exchange their laid back jeans and t-shirt apparel for the formal tuxedoes of The Sybaritic Gentlemen.  Sipping wine and crooning lyrics of darkness and shadows, Sybaritic shifts the mood of the show significantly to one of introspection and dismal sophistication.  “The Sybaritic Gentlemen of Leisure’s music is a smooth, yet sinister lounge-style groove; while Oedipus Dick’s is bottom-heavy and funky.  You’ll hear things on the bass that you never imagined could come from the instrument,” said Starmer. 

Oedipus Dick will be continuing the stand against pop-culture tonight, Feb. 2 at The Pour House.  SNMNMNM will be opening the show and oddities are guaranteed.  So for an evening of funk and curious musical compositions, make your watering hole The Pour House in downtown Raleigh. 

-Posted with permission from Laura Wilkinson, Editor-in-Chief of The Technician