Particle

Launchpad

PARTICLELaunchpadOr Musicwww.particlepeople.com

Jam bands across the land have figured out the formula to crowd a room with patchouli and patchwork pants. With an organ, lead guitar, bass, drums and a little free spirit, Particle has the formula mastered.

The thing that sets them apart from their counterparts is the use of electronic instruments. Given their blatant tendency toward dance beats, Particle keeps the tradition of jam alive on their newest release, Launchpad. Not only is this album the ignition point in Particle’s career, it’s also the band’s first attempt to make music again after its original guitarist, David Simmons, died in 2000. Since then, new guitarist Charlie Hitchcock has kept the band moving on with steady soloing.

Many times Particle’s live sets evolve around a cover from classics such as Pink Floyd or Led Zeppelin, which lends some familiarity to the sound of a mostly unknown set list.

Launchpad has its share of house-style beats, especially with songs such as “Elevator,” and there is room for funk on songs like “Knee Knocker.” Electronic blurbs and riffs from keyboardist Steve Molitz fill most of the sound. The album’s title track has a spacey feel that personifies the band’s sci-fi identity.

Particle isn’t too adventurous with its format. There are no lyrics, making way for numerous impromptu solos. The enigmatic guitarist Buckethead is currently opening shows for Particle on their U.S. tour. It’s an odd pairing, given that Buckethead plays entirely alone and tends to bring more distorted heavy riffs to the stage. Not to mention the challenge of imagining an entire concert without lyrics.