Cycles epitomize the power-trio format with ripping guitar, fat bass grooves played out through furious slapping, and viciously dynamic drum beats flowing over intricate tempo changes. Each member wields a unique take on their instrument that when played together, forms a truly fresh and cohesive sound. Patrick Harvey commands the guitar with speed and precision reminiscent of Jimmy Herring while using his loop pedal virtually as its own instrument, a skill unique only to him. At the heart of the band lies Tucker McClung’s dominant slap-bass chops that captivates audiences and pumps the musical blood through the band. The recent addition of drummer, Luke Stone has brought new fire and life into the band. With swift chops, fierce fills and decisive tempo, Luke has only further intensified the already explosive sound that is Cycles.
The current incarnation of the ever-developing sound of Cycles reveals itself today as a speeding freight train of sound and rhythm. Screaming peaks and balanced grooves find their way out of the chaos of a jam while samples ripped from the likes of Madonna, Lil Nas X and many more ring out and grab the unsuspecting audience by surprise, adding to the multicolored blend of sound filling a room and often standing out as comedic elements of the show. Drawing influence from artists such as Rage Against the Machine, J. Dilla, Primus, Weather Report, and many more, Cycles fuse an eclectic blend of genres to produce an original sound that has become harder and harder to find. Although only a few years old, Cycles have over 350 shows under their belt with tours extending across the entire U.S. A heavy touring schedule keeps them on their toes while providing the inspiration to continue to write and always strive to play better. Look out for their name soon on a festival schedule in your hands or a club marquee playing with your favorite bands.
Spunj is a high-energy fusion four piece that tailors each
live show to be a truly unique experience, not just a musical
performance. Incorporating goofy antics and high audience
participation, Spunj continues to cultivate a dedicated following
of fans who travel long distances to see the band perform
multiple nights in a row, collecting stamps on their ‘Spunj show
punch cards’ (available for free at the merch booth!) and
chasing songs they didn’t get to hear at the last performance.
Since their breakthrough performances late-night at the
Gorge campgrounds during Phish’s first three-night run at the
venue in August 2021, Spunj has shown exponential growth and
tenacity in playing shows all along the West Coast. In addition
to performing several nights with Portland, OR supergroup Yak
Attack, and also hosting official Goose afterparties in both
Seattle and San Francisco less than a week apart, Spunj has
been joined on stage by Luke Bemand of Lespecial, Gabe
Johnson of Elektrapod and Ryan Dempsey of Twiddle! Spunj
has opened for Denver’s Cycles, and the other aforementioned
groups, and they’re set to headline their very own camping
festival this year in Cottage Grove, OR featuring Cycles and
many local PNW bands. On top of tackling clubs, halls and
theaters, the band has also gained a reputation for renegade
performances in various show parking lots including Phish, and
most recently the Skull & Roses Festival in Ventura, CA where
they were photographed by the legendary Jay Blakesberg.
Spunj was recently given three awards from Eugene’s
famous WOW Hall Association including “Best New Act”,
“Favorite Local Band” and “Best Show” referencing their New
Year’s Eve SNL themed bash featuring their first ever balloon
drop!
With each member displaying their own influence and
eclectic musical tastes, Spunj tackles a wide variety of genres in
a digestible “snack-size” package in their newly released EP.
Recorded in the home studio of keyboard player Dan
Underkofler and fellow producer, engineer and co-founder of
Mandarax Records, Kevin Shoop, this will be the first collection
of recorded music the band will have released since their debut
album in 2019. The EP features five tracks that demonstrate
Spunj’s vast musical capabilities in writing and playing multiple
genres. The lead single ‘Sanity’ is a high-energy funk groove
that finds its way to a soaring passage of pure rock and roll
before returning to the perpetual realm of Spunj’s unique
brand of funk-fusion. The album art is also provided by Lava
Labs featuring caricatures of each band member.
