Dangermuffin/Splitroot/Syrup

Dangermuffin may sound like the name of someone trying to be the breakfast equivalent of Grammy winning artist and producer Danger Mouse, but this group means business and is eager to prove it. The three piece band combines jazz drumming, thick bass lines and a calypso guitar style on its 2012 album Olly Oxen Free for a laid back feel perfect for laying on the beach. Dan Lotti’s vocals are calm and collected like that of Blind Faith’s Steve Winwood if you took out the screechingly high falsetto. Even with the island feel this band can make some tasty jams that are well structured and catchy enough to get your foot tapping along. The group’s most popular single, “Moonscapes,” even delves into the realm of psychedelic with intricate drum beats that fill the sound for high pitched clean guitar to come soloing in. With five years and four albums under their belt, these guys are definitely an experienced local act to keep on the radar. (William Hoffman)