Since Elemental Groove Theory’s departure from Athens one year ago, the members just can’t seem to stay away from their alma mater.
The group released the album
Metamorphosis
in November 2012 and followed it up with a brief tour before splitting up. But Friday the group will retutn to Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St. for its second reunion show since the split.
“We keep on trying to get away from each other but then we’re all in the same state together,” said Rachel Maxann, lead singer for the group. “Whenever we’re anywhere close to each other we really can’t help but have another reunion because we love playing with each other so much.”
She said the idea for another reunion was sparked by the fact that it will be be her birthday and it is financially feasible for all of them to return.
Maxann will open the show with her newest group Oracle, an electronic vocal group based out of Cincinnati. The project features Maxann as the singer and songwriter and Mike Wiley mixing the beats.
“It’s all very electronic, kind of an industrial dubstep (sound),” Maxann said. “It’s very different because it’s basically just me instead of having a lot of people behind me.”
She said she writes the songs on guitar and then has Wiley record and remix the parts electronically, then they add dancers and a light show to the live performance.
Maxann isn’t the only member to move on from the popular Athens jam band scene. Michael Brokamp, keyboardist for Elemental Groove Theory, is currently in two other Athens groups, Boom Slang and dadARM, which are playing for Athens Halloween this year.
“It’s definitely a different experience, EGT had six members and Boomslang has four, so there’s a lot more room to fill,” Brokamp said. “I think it’s pretty neat to have a band that can go from rocking out balls to the wall, and then kick back in the pocket and just groove it out.”
Elemental Groove Theory will have a blowout sale for all of its merchandise, including CDs and other swag, because this will be the last reunion show for a long time, Maxann said.
“These people are family to me and our relationship is the first and most primary thing in everything you’re hearing on stage,” Brokamp said. “Everything musical is just coming subsequent to all these memories and experiences that we’ve been able to share together.”
wh092010@ohiou.edu
@Wilbur_Hoffman
If You Go
What: Elemental Groove Theory/ Oracle
When: 10 p.m. Friday
Where: Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery, 24 W. Union St.
Admission: $5
