THE FIRST THING PEOPLE ALWAYS ASK IS...

"So, what kind of music do you play?"

Simple question, should be a simple answer. But the Splinters draw on influences that cross all kinds of style "boundaries" (yeah, like music should have boundaries, right?). 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.

However you describe it, it's a sound that has been getting audiences to clap, stomp, cheer, dance, sing along and turn out in droves (it's a word. No, really). The band members have been making music across this great land we call "here" for longer than they care to admit to, but that experience shows in their 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 alum of "Stealin' the Deal," 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 has not only played with such luminaries as Kevin Ball and "The Ruins," he can also be seen running sound for bands and festivals all across the region ("Oh, so that's why he looks so familiar...")

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.