P Groove to perform at Pantana Bob's

Live music still lives in Greenville

By: Liz Fulton

Posted: 3/29/07

As one of the last beacons of pure musical talent to perform in Greenville, Perpetual Groove will take the stage at Pantana
Bob's tonight.

P Groove is a jam band, but unlike many of their contemporaries, words and meaning is infused within their extensive yet highly enjoyable jams. Fans describe their music as "trance arena rock" due to their experimentations in live 5.1-concert surround sound, an intense retina blinding light show and a willingness to keep the connection strong between band and fans.

Founded in Savannah, Ga., within the creative walls of the Savannah College of Art and Design, bassist Adam Perry and guitarist Brock Butler met during their freshmen orientation. Throughout their tenure at SCAD, the two formed Perpetual
Groove with two other schoolmates who departed the band shortly after graduation.

Since 2001 when drummer Albert Suttle and keys player Matt McDonald joined the gang, P Groove transitioned from a local act enjoying the venues Georgia has to offer into a powerhouse touring machine playing at least 150 shows a year.

Their third studio album, LiveLoveDie was released three weeks ago co-produced by the band and Robert Hannon (Outkast - Speakerboxx/The Love Below).

LiveLoveDie is more grown up than their past releases, with members of the band bringing something directly to its conception. Many of the songs were written while in the studio resulting in a collective contribution of four very talented and individual musicians.

In a recent interview published on JamBands.com, Butler expressed Perpetual Groove's emotional ties to their music. "A lot of our songs, especially the ones with lyrics, start off as
more of a singer-songwriter approach. Even the stuff that doesn't have lyrics, we may use electronic effects, but there is still that human element."

First-time visitors and hard-core followers will not be disappointed with their live show this Thursday. Besides playing a vast array of songs from their music library, the band has also begun to cover more regularly the high-energy recordings of Wu-Tang Clan and Rage Against the Machine.

"That is something for the kids," said Butler. "It's a way to let people know everything isn't so serious."

All kidding aside, Perpetual Groove is a band that honestly believes in the power of music and its ability to connect with everyone and everything.

"The first time I saw them at Red Rooster, they just played and played with no breaks in between songs. It seemed like they were having the best time," said junior communication major Sami Allen. "I have never felt such energy between a band and the crowd during a show."

With the release of LiveLoveDie, Perpetual Groove took many painstaking steps to ensure that there was zero negative impact on the environment from its production to its packaging. In association with Tree Sound Studios, Sustainable Waves and Green Mountain Energy Company, the album was the first ever to be produced with zero net carbon emissions. All of the packaging was 100 percent recyclable and renewable energy credits were used throughout the recording.

Stop by PB's this Thursday for an evening full of good vibes and meaningful music. The show starts at 10 p.m. with tickets $12 in advance and $15 at the door. Come see why High Times magazine called them a highlight of the Langerado Music Festival.

This writer can be contacted at pulse@theeastcarolinian.com.