PREVIEW: oobleck celebrates new single this friday with the sugar hold
01/10 at Ophelia’s, Albany
Ophelia’s on Broadway Friday night is where the music lovers need to be. Capital Region funk mainstays Oobleck will be celebrating the release of their new single, “Purse Candy,” with a split bill show featuring the über fun The Sugar Hold. This is the first time these two bands have shared a stage and their consideration for their fans knows no bounds because not only are they sharing a backline for a seamless changeover, they’re also keeping it to just the two of them. No third band required. Selfless.
“We’re too old to have three bands on a bill,” Audrey Van Genechten admits, emphasizing their focus on creating a smooth and quick changeover between sets.
Oobleck is a dynamic five-piece funk ensemble that has been captivating audiences in the Capital Region, Hudson Valley, and Burlington, Vermont since 2008. Their sound is a gritty blend of original horn-infused funk, heavily influenced by New Orleans street music. Expect an exhilarating mix of powerful horns, pounding drums, deep bass grooves, and irresistibly catchy guitar riffs that will have you dancing and smiling all night long.
The band has maintained a consistent lineup since its inception, featuring the talented Van Genechten on vocals and trumpet, her husband Kevin on drums, and Scott Vorwald on saxophone. Sam Parker, who originally played bass, has taken on the guitar role, joined by the newest member, Josh Ratigan on bass.
Greg Haymes once said of Oobleck, “Sometimes they pump out the stone-cold soul-funk of the JBs. Sometimes they veer into the Afro-funk of Fela Kuti. And sometimes…they head off into Frank Zappa’s Grand Wazoo territory,” which is high praise indeed.
Oobleck’s "Purse Candy" was spawned from the enthusiasm of The Sugar Hold’s Mikey Baish, who couldn’t get the catchy tune out of his head after witnessing the band’s electrifying performance at Troy Night Out.
“It’s been my favorite Oobleck song for a long time,” Baish shared. “After seeing them again this year, I kept asking Audrey, ‘When are you going to release it?’”
“We hadn’t even recorded it yet,” Van Genechten admitted, expressing her appreciation for Baish’s support. “I feel honored because Mikey knows how to write a hook, so I feel pretty good about that.”
Hailing from Troy, NY, The Sugar Hold consists of Baish on guitar and vocals, Dan Clark on lead guitar, Matt Malone on bass and vocals, Ryan McCalla on guitar and keyboards, and Jesse Winchester on drums. A band labeled as “surf-punk,” groups they could actually be compared to like the Crickets, the Beach Boys, early Beatles or the Clash are not going to be bands they sound very much like given over fifty years of changes to production and instruments. Instead, they put together an eclectic mix of all the great rock bands from the ‘50s to today. The Sugar Hold strives to promote the good times and feelings that make their music so enjoyable. The party’s just beginning.
Together, Oobleck and The Sugar Hold are both known for their infectious party vibes and knack for getting the crowd moving. Don’t miss this chance to revel in a night of funk, camaraderie, and good vibes. When bands appreciate one another this much off stage, you can count on it translating to nothing but great energy in the room all night long!
Friday’s show starts at 8pm with The Sugar Hold taking the stage first. A mere $15 to enjoy both original bands.
