Dave Hammer’s Power Supply
Dave Hammer’s Power Supply. Only three songs are available for your ears’ delight, but three songs your ears will fully appreciate. The tunes, available for stream only, combine to create the Sexy Robot EP. Are the songs about robots? Not really, but I could be missing that part. Listen for yourself at their show this Sun 2/20 at the Grog Shop and get back to me.
The three piece — composed of Matt DeRubertis, Dave Hammer and Chris Baker on drums — doesn’t fall into one genre. Skimming through, the Sexy Robot EP has the vibes of a rock album… but if you take the time to savor it you’ll feel the blues and jazz influences within it. Honestly, the sound evolves throughout each song. The songs could fit well in a jazz bar or maybe a coffee shop… even a garage bar could host these guys. The guitar solos are proof enough that the musicians are talented. There are enough of them to mistake your own listening location for the band’s basement, with the recordings taking on jam-session appeal. Hammer sings stylistically like a jazz singer, relaxed and flowing with the music. He has soul.
If left with only five minutes in your day, check out the song “Words.” Two minutes in, the song fades out only to return in full-force lead by a strong vocal lead. Hammer has a distinct voice; the closest comparison is to Gavin DeGraw’s with less pop, more blues. His voice is a huge part of the music, taking it anywhere and controlling the entire feel of the songs.
They’ve only been a band since July. Outrageous? A little bit. Even more outrageous is that they have played nearly 50 shows and are already making a name for themselves.
Look out for their debut release this spring, entitled Words, and be sure to catch their show this Sun 2/20 at the Grog Shop. Playing alongside fellow Clevelanders Post Vinyl, Full Time Ghost, Polina Kourakina, and Looking to Score, Dave Hammer’s Power Supply is in good company, giving the promise of a great night. To stream the songs and judge my interpretation, go to their website at http://www.ReverbNation.com/davehammerspowersupply.
Laurie Wanninger is a Cleveland convert, having lived in Pittsburgh for 20 years. After attending John Carroll University, she was sold on the city and now lives, works and breathes Cleveland. Spare time is spent DJing Music for Your Laundry List at WJCU 88.7, bicycling, going to local concerts and dreaming of microbrews and National Parks.
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