Polydypsia Funks Up Knickerbockers!!!

Polydypsia

A variety of music was soon to take over the crowd, many still filtering in with a slated start time of 9:00pm. I once again found myself at Knickerbockers in Lincoln, NE on a Friday night, February 15, 2008 to be exact. A local bluegrass group out of Lincoln by the name of Slim Pickens was first to take the stage. They played an array of covers including an excellent version "Kentucky Mandolin". After a 45-minute set, Polydypsia was set to take the stage next and did so in gracious fashion.

Many fans that were there in support of Slim Pickens had never seen nor heard of Polydypsia. It was quite a bold change from the string-filled opener, but several folks stuck around for Polydypsia's set and were pleasantly surprised.

Adam Langdon and Andrew Malashock

Polydypsia is from Omaha, NE and they've recently graced the stages at 10,000 Lakes Festival in 2007. They were also granted a set at Wakarusa Music and Camping Festival after winning last year's Waka Winter Classic. They are known for their own interesting take on funk with a little bit of improvisational jazz on the side.

Polydypsia soon got the crowd interested in their first set with "Funk Goulash", an ode to their jazzy roots with brief break outs of funk in between. This song is set off by bassist Tim Kasl's smooth bass line throughout. Guitarist Andrew Malashock really strutted his stuff on a cover of Phish's "Character Zero". Just as quickly as it had begun, the first set was over and everyone was left with a short primer break.

Andrew Malashock and Tim Kasl

The second set was off with a fury, featuring much of the same, but also was quite jammy comparatively. The percussion picked up a lot in this set and it was evident how much talent was really in this band. Percussion is taken care of by J.B. Ferguson pounding on the trap set and Adam Langdon filling in the blanks with the bongos as well as several other items. The keys led by Kevin Lloyd also set the mood, almost controlling the mid-sized crowd at times. Soon enough, closing time was approaching and Polydypsia finished, as always it seems, abruptly.

Adam Langdon and Kevin Lloyd

J.B. Ferguson

I personally have only had the chance to catch these guys three times. Each time I've seen them I've been thoroughly impressed, particularly by the improvisation that I'm constantly greeted with every time. Even with a crowd smaller than these guys are used to, Polydypsia held nothing back. For that reason they appear to be on the right track to get some broader attention in the near future. Not to mention the amount of raw talent which they possess.

Adam Langdon

Tim Kasl, obviously in a groove...

As stated, these guys always come ready to tear it up, and they don't disappoint throughout. For a funky, jazzy, jammy time, get yourself out to see Polydypsia, who receive 7/10 slices for their performance.

P.S.- Somasphere won this years Lincoln, NE Waka Winter Classic, therefore Polydypsia is not set to play there yet. That is not saying they won't be there though. They do have the 10KLF Cosmic Break Tour coming up on 4-20 eve at Club Roxbury in Omaha, NE. The winner will receive a set at the 10,000 Lakes Festival this year, so good luck to them there. Also, a brief conversation with Mr. Kasl revealed that they have plans to put out a full-length album in the near future, as well as open up a date for Dumpstapunk in New Orleans, LA. Yeah I'm talkin to our Texas crew. As if you really need an excuse to hit up NOLA again. Just make sure to hit up Chris Owen's.

Check out some audio from their "Thanksgrooving" set in Omaha at The Waiting Room:

Stay Toasty,
The Toastman