One of Quactus' many strengths comes from their apparent refusal to be boxed in. Quactus draws inspiration from a myriad of genres, while managing to make the convergence seem both effortless and unselfconscious. Listening to a Quactus song can be compared to unwrapping a present that feels both nostalgic and also excitingly new and innovative. They are clearly a band that is interested in striving toward the future while paying their respects to their predecessors. By weaving together strains of Classic Rock, Grunge, Jam-Band experimentation, Reggae, R&B, Funk, Jazz, Hip-hop and Metal, Quactus presents themselves as a band that is almost impossible not to enjoy. Somehow, they are able to be everything to everyone, while not losing their signature sound. It's never gimmicky. Instead, listening to Quactus is like attending a concert of a number of different accomplished bands, but all in one tidy package. For the new jam-band listener, their sound is refreshingly accessible and catchy. But this catchiness is deceptive, only for the fact that the amount of intelligence behind the songwriting is staggering, and more than enough to keep both new jam-band fans and learned die-hards coming back for more.

A Quactus show is a high-energy smorgasbord for the ears. The band prides itself on never playing the same show twice. With consistently changing set lists and new jams and solos every time they take the stage, you can be sure you are in for a night like none other. Band members Gabriel Weiner (Guitar and Vocals), Greg Zachan (Bass and Vocals), Matthew McDuffee (Drums and Vocals), and Seth Gordon (Guitar and Vocals) use signals, with their hands and body movements and in their music to tell each other where to take each song. At the drop of a hat, they can transform a free-form experimental mélange into a thumping bass driven Funk groove, or a precise and hypnotic Reggae “riddum.” Cues are often used to switch between songs as well, seamlessly morphing from a Hard Rock song like “Mine All Mine” into a psychedelic guitar woven epic like “Might Be You,” followed by the Progressive Rock inspired tour de force, “Van Winkle’s Dream.”

All four members love a musical challenge, and aim to make music that will satisfy your cerebral druthers as well as your pop sensibility. Through multi-sectioned musical adventures, Quactus tries to keep you on your toes. Subtle key and time signature changes, as well as style changes are feathered throughout a Quactus song. In a live setting they are the kind of band that will start off with funk, drop into some Heavy Metal, throw a random TV theme tease into a jam, lighten things up with a dynamic and airy waltz, cover a Dead or Phish tune, launch into a syncopated Latin groove, and then finish their set with a Hip-Hop cover of “Poison” by Bell Biv Devoe, or a nostalgic nod to the 80’s with a rocked up version of the “Ghostbusters Theme.” They are not afraid to take risks and it pays off.

Their self-recorded and produced debut album, “Once a Pond, a Spine…” was released in February 2008, receiving rave reviews, and making its way into the libraries of jam band fans nationwide. Through constant promotion on the internet and by being invited to join the Homegrown Music Network, Quactus’ album has been spinning on jam band and college radio stations incessantly. Much like the band, their debut album cannot be described by one genre, including hints of Rock, Funk, Afro-Cuban, Rockabilly, Prog-rock, and Psychedelia. It is a musical free-for-all that highlights untamable guitar solos upon a bed of down and dirty bass lines, intricate and ambitious drum patterns, and inspiring vocal harmonies. The album has the feel of a live show, with off-the-cuff cohesive improv laying the base for extended, yet tasteful jams. The production of the album is also of note, with various sound effects peppered throughout the tracks creating a flowing, and at times humorous listening experience. These guys are certainly “one to watch.”

“Once a Pond, A Spine…” is available on iTunes, CDBaby, through the Home Grown Music Network, and various digital retailers. 

For more info and tour dates check out their website: www.quactus.com or look for them on Myspace and YouTube. And remember to rock out with your quack out!