Dave Hammer's Power Supply
Akron, Ohio, United States | SELF
Music
Press
DHPS’ music and particularly Greasy should appeal to blues/blues-rock fans, as that music is at the root of most of their tunes. Jam-band fans will likely also dig their musical twists and turns, though few of their songs stretch past the five-minute mark and they don’t generally “jam” on their tunes in their always solid live sets. Though the “eclectic” tag often translates to “overly busy and watered-down,” DHPS’ musical gumbo never comes across as “hey-look-what-we-can-play!” show-offiness. - Akron Beacon Journal
Meet the Band: Dave Hammer (vocals, guitars), Matt DeRubertis (vocals, bass, sitar), Chris Baker (vocals, drums)
An Evolution: The Akron-based band has been together for almost four years now and has evolved into a gritty blues/jam band as it's moved away from the prog-rock sound of its first album. "We've come into our own a lot more," says DeRubertis. "We're more comfortable writing together now. Our first record was us trying out everything we could do." - Scene Magazine
Dave Hammer’s Power Supply (DHPS), a local Akron band best known for their infinitely dynamic creativity and delicately wild music, has likely created their most promising release yet. Heavily sweetened with a blues flavor, the band’s third album, "Greasy," comes Mid-July, with a special CD release show at Musica in Downtown Akron.
Recorded to 2-inch tape and released on thick black vinyl, this album carries the weight of past rock 'n' roll greats that have shaped the direction and growth of this unique band's music. Gritty yet subtly refined, these aren't your average blues rock jams, but any blues fan will certainly enjoy them. - The Akronist
“Dave Hammer’s Power Supply have found that perfect mix of styles on Aht Uh Yo Hed to create something that is sexy yet rocks at the same time.”
- Indie Band Guru
Each of the three musicians displays a deft knowledge of his instrument, making the twist and turns of each song and bounces among genres incredibly precise and entertaining. - Akronist
The band's members say their music sounds like "the Black Keys meet the Red Hot Chili Peppers." That mix certainly comes across in songs like the sparse, funky title track and the Hendrix-inspired "Middleground." - Scene Magazine
Northeast Ohio musicians Dave Hammer’s Power Supply have kicked off a steady and promising debut with their record, Words. Founding members Dave Hammer and bassist Matt DeRubertis met in a Jazz Guitar Theory class at The University of Akron and the jazz influences are prevalent throughout the duration of the album.
Single “I Ang Alive” should make a few waves through the area with its catchy and worthwhile musicianship. Hammer’s vocals taken on a bit of a Sublime feel while shades of Dave Matthews Band and even Akron natives The Black Keys come to mind while listening to the blues-rock trio’s debut record thanks to impressive percussion work from drummer Chris Baker.
Dave Hammer’s Power Supply will release Words at their official release show tonight featuring a special two-set performance by the band at Northside Bar & Grille in Akron. With an opening performance by Kent’s Professor Greenhouse, the doors will open at 8 pm with the show getting underway at 9 pm. Tickets are $8 with the debut album free with admission - Buzzbin Magazine
"the Sexy Robot EP has the vibes of a rock album… but if you take the time to savor it you’ll feel the blues and jazz influences within it. Honestly, the sound evolves throughout each song. The songs could fit well in a jazz bar or maybe a coffee shop… even a garage bar could host these guys. The guitar solos are proof enough that the musicians are talented." - Coolcleveland.com
Discography
Sexy Robot EP (2010)
Words (6.2011)
Aht Uh Yo Hed EP (6.2012)
Photos
Bio
BIO
You might be caught off guard when Dave Hammer, guitarist/singer and namesake of Akron, Ohio outfit known as DAVE HAMMER'S POWER SUPPLY interrupts himself, mid-phrase, with an unruly guitar lick. This power trio gravitates towards the schizophrenic end of the musical spectrum.
But they’re not aimlessly jamming. They’re spinning their own delicious web of soulfully eclectic, jazz-infused, progressive blues.
Hailing from a city known for it’s blues/rock cred, DHPS sounds something like The Black Keys meets The Red Hot Chili Peppers on a jazz school acid trip. Which isn’t surprising, considering it’s the brainchild of two young, forward-thinking, jazz school musicians with a blues/rock bent. Hammer and bassist, Matt DeRubertis twist the genre to feed their sophisticated tastes and talents, weaving together an analog mashup of styles and influences.
Live, the power trio delivers a vintage sound and a wild ride. The combination of Dave's songwriting, soulful singing, and frantic guitar licks fused with Matt's melodic, yet aggressive bass lines and dynamic sense of arranging show an undeniable chemistry. At only 24 years, Hammer sings like a man with a past. You can hear the influence of authentic, crooning bluesmen like Grandpa Elliot and Blind Lemon Jefferson in the smooth, yet raspy nature of his voice.
After establishing themselves in summer 2011 with their solid debut record titled Words, Dave Hammer's Power Supply is back on the scene with a release that takes the band in a different direction. The EP is titled Aht Uh Yo Hed.
The result is a brief, but lush and colorful journey through the twists and turns of Hammer's songs.
Opening with the new single, "It's Not Worth It", it is clear that the band is exploring new sonic territory as the song opens with a dreamy Radiohead-tinged reggae beat, then flowing seamlessly into a funky groove a la Sly and the Family Stone, only to conclude with a smashing rock riff.
AHT UH YO HED is available on Itunes, Cdbaby, and the official DHPS website.
www.davehammerspowersupply.com
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