Bushwhack makes a buzz with debut

It’s uncommon that an all-instrumental rock band can keep the attention span of non-musicians. But due to their penchant for crafting memorable non-vocal melodies along with their impressive, expert chops, Bushwhack is one such band that manages to successfully walk that fine line – as evidenced by their recently issued self-titled debut (available online and through iTunes).
Comprised of guitarist Jamie Van Dyck, bassist Brandon Green, keyboardist/samplist Frank Sacramone, and drummer Ben Shanbrom, the New Haven, CT-based quartet has created an undeniable buzz on the strength of their debut, which features design by renowned artist Ioannis, as well as photographs by another renowned name in the rock world – Mark Weiss.
Upon inspection of Bushwhack’s thirteen track debut – produced by Jeff Cannata – it quickly becomes apparent that the band posses a sound that brings to mind such acts (and chief Bushwhack influences) as Dream Theater and Porcupine Tree. However, like all rock bands that manage to stand out from the pack, Bushwhack transcend their influences, creating their own unique sound/style in the process – something that is becoming increasingly uncommon in rock’s current climate.
But according to Sacramone, their non-vocal approach isn’t something they deliberately set out to do. But rather, it happened naturally, and at this point, is a crucial ingredient to the Bushwhack sound. “We haven’t really found a singer that has meshed with the band yet. Our band is comprised of four very close friends, and we need someone with a voice that would actually improve the melodic and tonal quality of the music.”
Van Dyck adds, “The idea of a vocalist, we figured would fall into our laps. Now, here we are three years later. We are kind of reaching a fork in the road – we can continue as an instrumental unit, or we add a vocalist. Until we find the right vocalist, we’re probably not going to go down the vocalist path.”
Which is just as well – judging from the strength of such tracks as “The Greatest Wall,” “Sea of Tranquility,” and “Introspection,” the compositions easily stand on their own.
“The album has a collection of songs from about a span of two/two and a half years,” explains Sacramone. “It’s pretty diverse. Our consistency and our ability to write throughout those two years – we have been able to pursue the sound we wanted and not change due to trends or anyone’s wishing – accept our own."
And when it comes to the Bushwhack live experience, the band holds their own – even with the absence of a bonafide frontman, points out Sacramone. “Don’t take us for not being able to put on a live show. A big part of our success is our live performance. You will never expect an instrumental band to act like a hardcore metal band jumping around the stage, with such sophisticated music. But that’s exactly what we do. Ben destroys the drum set, I have a Keytar and run around – I even jump into the crowd, do 360’s off stage! It’s got a balance of fun and intensity at the same time.”
Another factor has recently come into play for the band, as well. “We have to face the fact that we’re college students,” adds Van Dyck. “We have the decision to make – do we finish college, or is something big enough going to happen in the coming months that is going to cause us to take a year off – or even drop out?”
Judging from the promise and strength of ‘Bushwhack,’ the prog metal world will benefit greatly if the members choose the latter…
For more information, go to:
www.myspace.com/bushwhack
www.bushwhackmusic.com