"So, what kind of music do you play?"
Simple question, should be a simple answer. The quick answer is, "It's kind of Americana. You know, a mash-up of bluesy, rootsy rock and roll, old country, alt-country, bluegrass and New Orleans funk. Only different."
It's songs with meaning, songs that tell stories, songs that sound familiar, even if you've never heard them before, delivered with tight playing, punchy rhythms and close harmonies.
Dave Paddock (guitars, vocals) and Peter Jacobs (lap steel, banjo, vocals) started off in the wilds of Central New York, with newgrass barnstomers "Devil's Dream." They brought those sensibilities to NoVa, first with the all-acoustic "Critical Gap" and now with "The Splinters." Dave also can be found twangin' the Tele with "Stealin' the Deal." Drew Gardner (drums, vocals) holds down the beat in his inventive, yet linear and economical way. Another "Stealin' the Deal"-er, he has performed on stages around the region with punk-rock poster boys "Debris." Paul Galarneau (bass) weaves intricate lines that power every song, locking into the groove with Drew. Paul also has been found onstage with such luminaries as the Magic Trio, Kevin and Lucille Ball and, of course, "Stealin'." John Werntz (bass) brings his acoustic sensibilities to rocking tunes. John's another familiar face to fans of Shenandoah Run, Dimestore Pony, Old Town Tradition, and probably "Stealin'," because why not?
You won't hear oldies or the usual classic rock covers, but whether it's songs by artists ranging from Jason Isbell to Steve Earle to Lucinda Williams to Richard Thompson or originals that carry on those traditions, The Splinters deliver a high-energy, action-packed, 3D show that draws in audiences of all kinds... and keeps them coming back.