• ralph@myampmusic.co

TROPIDELIC – LIVE @ PARK CITY MUSIC HALL IN BRIDGEPORT

By Ralph Beauchamp

This is my second time catching Tropidelic and once again the band did not disappoint. Even though the always entertaining sextet rolled into the Park City Music Hall on a drizzly Wednesday night, you could feel the excitement in the air. Tropidelic habitually draws a fun and jubilant crowd. Their music has a joyous feel despite the fact that their lyrics sometimes deliver a social justice punch. Their sound mixes reggae, funk, hip hop and rock in a large bowl and dishes out tons of aural madness. Every song contains exotic rhythms and funky vibes.

Tropidelic is comprised of Matthew Roads (Lead Vocals/Guitar), James Begin (Vocals/Trombone), Bobby “Chronic” Markouc (Lead Guitar), David “Pags” Paglisotti (Bass), Rob Schaefer (Trumpet/Keys) and Rex Larkman (Drums). The band released their seventh studio album, All The Colors, in 2022 via Ineffable Records which garnished them critical acclaim and much deserved recognition. Tropidelic has shared the stage with such luminaries as 311, Slightly Stoopid, and The Dirty Heads. They even have their own music festival called Everwild. This year the festival will be held on August 3rd thru the 5th in Thornville, Ohio. Besides Tropidelic, Bumpin Uglies, Iya Terra, Pepper and others will perform.

Photo Credit / Donna Eriquezzo

The evening began with Tropidelic‘s support act, the Joey Harkum Band. Joey Harkum is a singer-songwriter hailing from Pasadena, MD. For over a decade, Joey has performed all around the country as the lead singer of the band Pasadena. He has a unique way of connecting with his fans through deep, poignant lyrics which tell stories of happiness, love, loss, and sadness.

This is Harkum’s first foray as a solo artist and his music was well received especially his new single, “All My Life”. “Hold On” was another song that energized the audience. His band was superb and their whole vibe was spectacular. At one point James Begin (from Tropidelic) came out and joined Joey. It was surely one of the highlights of his set.

As soon as Tropidelic hit the stage, the crowd became animated. Their fans are extremely supportive and really love this band. They opened with “Snow Country” and the house was ready for a great time. Right from the start, Tropidelic was energized and full of dynamic flair. “Good Times”, The Line” and “Neighborhood” came next. Lead vocalist Roads was killing it. His vocal style is smooth and funky. Begin is a human dynamo. He’s all over the stage. His hip hop rants are fast and furious. He easily raises the audience’s organic groove.

“The Wind”, “Falling Down” and “Cali” followed. By now Tropidelic was in full swing. Begin was as entertaining as a vocalist as he was on his trombone. Schaefer’s trumpet was on point while Paglisotti’s bass laid down some gnarly backbeats. Markouc’s guitar was punchy and adept. Larkman’s percussion were very forceful and edgy. The audience was loving it all. “Cali” was decidedly a fan favorite.

Next up was “Dollar Saved” and “Police State”. Everyone sang along with the band on both songs. Other crowning points of the night were “Too Loose”, “People Talk” (where Harkum returned the favor and joined the band for a few refrains) and “Pivot Foot”. Later on the band came out a performed a Drumline which was cool. “Hey Now” and a supersized rendition of “Alcoholic” closed out the regular set.

Tropidelic was so jived that they returned for not one but a four song encore that their fans really welcomed. Tropidelic gave their all and gave Park City a real treat. It was a monstrous evening.

Just a footnote on Park City. I’m ashamed to say that this was my first time experiencing what was once The Acoustic. The Torres family did a fantastic job remodeling the venue. It’s a delight and the room has an incredible spirit. I do miss the dark undertones and kind of seedy aura of The Acoustic but Park City is a thrill and a wonderful addition to the Ct. burgeoning music scene.

To learn more about Tropidelic, check out their Website

Follow on: Facebook / Instagram / YouTube

Stream music: Spotify  / Apple Music

Purchase: Amazon 

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