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Atlas Soundtrack, Sophistafunk Lay Down Multi-Genre Ecstacy at Cafe

Cafe 210 West had the aura of an orgy of musical bliss when Atlas Soundtrack and Sophistafunk performed Saturday night. It was my first time hearing Sophistafunk, who put on an excellent show. And, of course, Atlas Soundtrack played the great show we’ve all come to expect from them.

Early in the evening, people watching the LSU-Bama game detracted a lot of attention from the concert in the back. But that was to be expected. As soon as the game was over, the dance floor became even more packed than it had been before.

The first thing that struck me about Sophistafunk was how fluid they were. They could go from a quick, hip-hop feel with elements of funk in it one song, to a slow, baby-makin’ funk jam with a liberal helping of jazz the next, to a medium tempo blues jam after that, all with ease. Their simple yet full sound with only a drummer, keyboardist, and emcee was something you would expect to hear in a Brooklyn nightclub (or at least something I imagine you would hear in a Brooklyn nightclub, never having been to one myself).

Together, the trio was able to tie elements of jazz, funk, hip hop and alt rock together, exactly the type of company I would want Atlas Soundtrack to keep. And I appreciated the fact that their keyboard had a sort of ’80s video game sound to it while occasionally breaking into screaming solos. The emcee’s occassional bursts of Biggie covers were also pretty cool and the rock ‘n’ roll drum fill near the end of their final song was epic. They were a great band, if a little monochromatic as far as their blend of style.

I think it’s worth mentioning how stylish the hipsteresque vocalist was, with a bright red blazer, thick-rimmed glasses and a sweet fedora.

And, of course, Atlas Soundtrack rocked it afterward, as usual. They have a way to blend the music of a variety of styles yet make it new and different every song. Their sound is very malleable, yet they had the crowd, largely an odd mix of bros and hipsters, bobbing heads and shaking booties. Starting out with a largely hip hop feel, the band then moved on to its reggae stylings early on before returning to that funky groove crowds love from them.

Overall, the show was nothing short of fucking awesome. But then, if you’ve seen Atlas Soundtrack live before, you probably knew that.

PS- One word of advice to guitarist/singer Matt Savereno: Even though the men’s room was closed for some reason, cutting the line for the ladies’ room is not okay because you’re “in the band.” You royally pissed off my dear friend @Amanda_Shaheen. Not cool man.

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About the Author

Matthew D'Ippolito

I'm a senior majoring in print journalism with minors in political science and music technology. I'm from the small town of Pennsburg, about an hour north of Philly. I hope to one day work as a music reporter for Rolling Stone. I am single and looking to mingle.

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