It’s time to get progressive.
Bacchus Restaurant is hosting progressive-rock band Diazepam for the third time.
Originally part of a group show, they’ve been invited back to Bacchus once more to play on their own this Friday, Feb. 7 at 10 p.m.
Diazepam’s style can also be described as “experimental rock,” and has influences from all styles of music, Dan Andersen, bassist and graduate of SUNY Oneonta said.
William Burgaleta, keyboardist and a graduate of SUNY Purchase said Diazepam’s sound is unique because of its eccentricity.
According to Andersen, their sound is also unique “because of two main factors: the urge in each of our members to include influences, and to not compromise our organic approach.”
They also plan on doing some improvisation at their show at Bacchus.
“This is reflected in the music that we write. Sometimes we play rock that is loud and frenetic, sometimes jazz or funk… and incorporating Latin or hip hop rhythms,” Andersen said.
Inspiration from the band’s music comes not only from their many musical influences, but also from outside sources. Burgaleta said he finds inspiration in music, art, history and wherever else he can find it.
“Our commitment to songwriting gives us something that people don’t typically witness from a live band,” Burgaleta said.
Andersen said he feels compelled to make art, but at the same time, he is also “very consciously inspired by powerful personalities, politics…and concepts of love.”
As far as their performance at Bacchus goes, Diazepam has no set plan at the moment, though they are looking to play mostly original songs with some covers.
Chris Andreski, guitarist and graduate of SUNY Albany, Burgaleta and Andersen will also be joined by drummer Rich Bozek, also a graduate of Oneonta.
David Ellison, bar manager and entertainment booker for Bacchus, said Bacchus looks for bands that have the ability to keep the restaurant’s patrons dancing until early hours of the morning. Ellison said Diazepam is also appealing because “they’re a tight band with a good web presence.”
“Our audience is a mix of demographics,” Ellis said. “We have students, professors, tourists, not just one part of the spectrum.”