Quick & Dirty - Thing-One
By: V. Rachel Weldon
Feb. 9, 2009 – Glen Ridge, United States
New Jersey's Thing-One knows how to adapt to their region's selective musical climate. With bands such as The Rapture and Blonde Redhead not only dominating the New York dance-rock scene in past years, but inspiring like-minded musical outfits to explore the dance-rock sensation for themselves, it's no surprise that four young Glen Ridge, NJ residents would want to create their own version of the genre's attractive sounds.
It's even less surprising knowing that Thing-One has adapted to their scene's favorite flavors in the past. When a cosmopolitan take on hip hop surfaced in the music of the Black-Eyed Peas, and gained a following in the international music scene, Thing-One were listening and adjusting their sound to suit the latest craze.
"Genres always kind of come in waves," muses Thing-One's Joey Palestina. Palestina prides himself on taking the challenges the music scene throws at Thing-One, including tweaking the band's sound to appeal to a progressive fanbase.
But out with the old, and in with the new wave of popular sensation. Dance-rock is its name, and it's here to question any pre-conceived conventions about rock 'n' roll with a hugely rhythmic, chant-happy take on the genre. A heavily weighted aspect for any dance-rock outfit is the energy of a live show – specifically, the reverberation of that energy from audience members to performers – and Palestina understands the importance of that connection.
"We completely base all of our energy on what the audience gives us. It always makes for a better show. But when you go on the road, sometimes you're going to be playing in front of 30 people who look like, 'Who the fuck are these people?'"
This can be a fatal blow to any band. After all, it can't be easy to attain success in any genre-based scene that relies entirely on the audience's willingness to wiggle around amongst each other. On the other hand, a willing audience can quickly propel a band to success in the fussy scope of the blogging world. Many dance-rock bands have distinguished themselves among handfuls of competition by merely winning the admiration of several wiggling New York hipsters, and a few individuals in front of the computer. That's all it takes in a genre as dependent on the merits of the internet's exposure as dance-rock is. And, according to Palestina, a blogger's comparison to bands that have achieved that success is appealing to today's selective audiences.
"A lot of blogs want a band that they can relate to other bands. It's easier for people, especially if they're on the computer all day checking for new tunes, to give you a shot if you're coming from somewhere that's familiar to them."
Many bands still await that elusive "shot", but Thing-One is one of the few that have been plucked out of the music industry rat-race and have had one handed to them. Local blogs, radio stations and dance-rock followers have begun to take notice, creating a buzz over the band's first single "Move It" – a titillating dance anthem that begs rhythmic know-how and audience participation. What distinguishes Thing-One's music over that of their many counterparts? Palestina ensures the explorative lyrics in Thing-One's music are a rare trait in dance-rock music, and one that identifies them as a band with an impressive lyrical breadth compared to other groups within the genre.
This is something fans can appreciate whilst succumbing to their appetite for New York's musical flavors – more rhythmic pulse and infectious dance riffs than you can shake a stick – or an agreeable pair of hips – at. In the near future, Thing-One will continue to promote their latest album, You'll Be Fine, and circulate the New York/New Jersey/Boston area, playing mid-sized house parties and tightening the screws before going back into the studio.
Who's to say what we can expect from a genre as loosely-based and finicky as the dance-rock legacy? What is certain is Thing-One's undeniable capability to transform and burgeon with the changing times, while continuing to produce the music that fuels our dancing feet.
Video: "Move It 'Rockmentary'" by Thing-One.
