Gothic Theatre
United Dope Front
Integrating the traditional idioms of jazz and funk with the more recent developments in the hip-hop and electronic dance worlds, the Dope Front generates a sound all their own—the members are such skillful and unselfish rhythmatists that the instrumental source of their undeniable beats can rarely be pinned down. Their sound is rooted in the ferocious drumming of Damien Hines and the hyperkinetic scratches and cuts of DJ Timbuk, all built on the indestructible foundation laid down by bassist Kurt Reber. Long time musical compatriots Ben Senterfit and Javier Gonzalez seamlessly meld melodies and harmonies between saxophone and guitar while Jarad Astin provides textures and ripping solos on the Hammond B-3 and keyboards. The Front drenches their audiences in sound, melting from one song to the next…launching into trippy improvisational flights…then coalescing out of nowhere into one of their signature themes. In a market saturated by funk music the Dope Front toe’s the line between ambient club sounds and the power of a live band experience. If you’ve never seen these guys live, you should get off your ass and go to a show.
